Martin completes 200th parkrun in Carlow town at the age of 87
Martin Phelan celebrates his 200th park run in Carlow town with his family Photo: Joanne O'Brien
“I’M just putting one foot in front of another,” said Martin Phelan somewhat modestly after completing his 200th parkrun in Carlow town.
To complete so many of the organised weekly runs is a mark of dedication by anyone’s standards, but when Martin’s age is factored into the equation, it brings his achievement to a different level.
Martin is 87 years’ old and has been taking part in Carlow town parkrun since 2019, just before the Covid pandemic hit.
“I love it; it’s just great fun. It’s a fun thing to do – it’s not a chore at all. It’s the camaraderie that I love. I go religiously every week, except when the track is flooded and it doesn’t take place,” explained Martin.
Carlow town parkrun is part of a worldwide company that organises free, weekly circuits in towns and cities where participants register to take part and then, afterwards, find out how they did.
The parkrun in Carlow town is 5km, but there’s a longer circuit in Tullow of 19km.
The circuit in Carlow starts at the rowing club by the River Barrow, with participants running, jogging or walking along the Barrow Track for 2.2km before turning back and completing a lap of the town park.
Sponsored by VHI healthcare in Ireland, the parkruns welcome people of all ages and fitness levels, with a team of volunteers ensuring everyone is safe and never under pressure. Martin used to run the circuit for years but is now walking it at a pace that suits him.
“The volunteers are great; they always look after us. Anyone can call for assistance, if they need it, and everyone is very well supported,” he continued.
Not only is the 5km skelp along the Barrow Track and Carlow Town Park good for keeping people’s fitness up, but just as importantly it’s about the sense of community and the friendships that are forged through the weekly meet-ups.
“I’ve made so many friends in the parkrun. Everyone knows everyone else. After each run, we have a cup of tea and some sweet treats every week. When someone has a milestone run, that’s celebrated, too,” said Martin.
When he completed his 200th run, members of his family were invited to the town park to mark the occasion and partake of some cake. Martin, who managed the Deerpark service station in Carlow town for over 40 years, is married to Kathleen and is the father of three daughters â Angela, Martina and Linda â as well as having six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, some of whom joined him on his parkrun celebration.
Now that he’s passed that 200-run milestone, Martin is determined to keep on going “putting one foot in front of the other” and will continue his weekly outing along the Barrow.
To find out more about how to register, go to www.parkrun.ie/carlowtown.
