With Christmas on the horizon and the colder weather settling in, now is the time to dust off the runners and get involved in your local parkrun.
Studies show that when the clocks go back, many people shelve their exercise regimes – treating winter as a cue to draw the blinds, switch on the telly and break out the chocolate.
Remaining active throughout the winter is a great way to beat those cold-weather blues and stay ahead of the pack when it comes to your New Year’s resolutions.
Getting started is the hardest part, but the best exercise regime is one that you can commit to – and research shows that people are most likely to remain motivated if their exercise is based around social activity.
Participants during the launch of parkrun Ireland and Healthy Ireland’s ‘Step into Winter’ campaign at Carlow parkrun, 08-11-2025. Image: Sam Barnes/SportsfileThat is where parkrun comes in.
parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog or run 5k, or volunteer in your local park with people from your community.
With events all over Ireland every Saturday morning, parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive. There is no time limit, and no one finishes last – everyone is welcome to come along.
Children aged four to 14 years old can also take part in junior parkrun, a 2k event designed to build a love of exercise from an early age.
A participant during the launch of parkrun Ireland and Healthy Ireland’s ‘Step into Winter’ campaign at Carlow parkrun, 08-11-2025. Image: Sam Barnes/SportsfileData from the latest parkrun Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025, conducted in collaboration with the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at Sheffield Hallam University shows that participating at parkrun is great for your mental wellbeing:
- 92% of those who got involved with parkrun reported an improved sense of personal achievement.
- 87% reported increased happiness.
- 85% reported improved mental wellbeing.
- 71% reported improved confidence.
The data shows that participating was even more beneficial for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Making that extra effort now can help you keep ‘Winter Fit’, connect with friends and family and ensure you are in the best possible space come Christmas.
To help you ‘Step into Winter’ and stay active over the coming months, here are some simple tips to help you make the most of parkrun:
Always warm up before exercising
A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make muscles tight and more prone to injury.
Remember, you should always perform dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, torso twists, and walking lunges before you start – save the static stretches for after your run.
Get yourself an exercise buddy.
This will help keep you motivated and interested, and you always need someone to have the chats with on the way around.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.
Dress in layers. Start with a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin. Add a warm mid-layer, like fleece, for insulation. Finish with a waterproof outer layer—this is Ireland, after all—to keep out wind and rain
You should also wear a hat and gloves to keep nice and toasty in your extremities.
Participants during the launch of parkrun Ireland and Healthy Ireland’s ‘Step into Winter’ campaign at Carlow parkrun, 08-11-2025. Image: Sam Barnes/SportsfileBeat the winter slump and Step into Winter at your local parkrun this winter – and kick off your weekends with fresh air, friendly faces, and a feel-good 5K.
Find your nearest event at parkrun.ie and share your journey on social media with the hashtag #StepIntoWinter.
