Introduction

Julie and I have a long association with a River and Valley parkrun in Cork (Glen River and Tramore Valley). River Valley in Swords Dublin had remarkable similarities to both parkruns. A tough climb like Glen River and an immaculate surface like Tramore Valley for the sprint finish. This week Julie and I finally resigned as Event Directors of Tramore Valley parkrun. We’re living in Dublin full time and the chance to get home has been less frequent with me training for the Dublin marathon, Julie receiving a promotion and Edward heading to any number of his primary healthcare checks. Aside from that the Tramore Valley ED job was temporary. A leader nowadays is a guide. The core volunteers became autonmous self creating leaders faster than I could of possibly imagined. It was time to let them move to the next chapter.

As one challenge closed another one met us in River Valley. A parkrunner completing a parkrun in every European country. After today Finland would be his only remaining destination. Maybe this is what Julie and I will do next? Another volunteer told us how she had completed a half marathon with her double buggy. Later on Julie and I would struggle to get a single buggy up the River Valley hill. As if that wasn’t a remarkable feat this woman had also for a time been training with a triple buggy and raising money for a Down Syndrome association. These are the things I enjoy most about parkrun. You’ll hear a million stories of triumph if you have a moment to listen. I try to soak in the positives in the face of tough challenge and use the stories to push myself forward during the run.

Journey on parkrun Tourism Board

River Valley was unique location 33 for Julie and I.

Course

The course is a 2 lapper commencing with an almost immediate steep downhill on narrow paths then a run alongside a beautiful river followed by a long uphill and a flat finish. The Course feels like it’s run over two levels one upper level and one lower level. The paths are narrow but the numbers at this parkrun seem to scarecly go over 100 which means the narrow space hardly matters. Finally you’ll be in a parkrun surrounded by a huge number of other activities from GAA to cricket remarkably no activities trample on each other. They’re all there doing their thing.

Stroller safe?

Yes you can bring a stroller but the uphill is tough and Julie did mention using our strollers brake on the downhill. I’d go and run with your heart but for godsake take your brain with you.

Live a Little

On the lower level you’ll be running next to a river’s melody. Listen to it. As I joked with Julie afterwards my ex girlfriend once told me running next to water was good for my mental health…..I married that girl.

Volunteers

The volunteers each had a bubbling personality. We grabbed the selfie frame just before the start and the lady who kindly took our pictures joked that each photo cost €20. We laughed but others realising she was offering assistance with the mandatory selfie frame photo came asking to which she promptly upped her price to €30 and turned to the RD demanding better working conditions. The RD sharp as a tack turned and pointed at the giant whiteboard and asked “whose roster is that? Mine now back to work” The banter just kept going like that. As I mounted the hill the first time I shouted a quick thanks to the volunteer team who were now all assembled at the top of the hill. Again the wit was in flying form ‘You cheated running without the buggy’. The team recieve frequent visitors and if you can volunteer and add some fun to your visit email rivervalley@parkrun.com.

Conclusion

There is an adventure to be had at River Valley don’t miss out.

Quote of the Week

Ethos is the greek word for character. Descended from the same root as the word ethics, it is used to describe the beliefs, principles, values, codes and culture of an organisation. James Kerr Legacy