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20 Sept 2025

Derrynoid Parkrun is back and open to everyone!

Park Run

Volunteers from the Derrynoid Park Run

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

20 Sept 2025 3:27 PM

The Derrynoid parkrun is in its third week since its rebirth and organisers are extending their welcome to all newcomers every weekend.
Parkrun is a worldwide running community at 9.30am every Saturday, open to everyone. Walkers and runners. All ages. Those who want to set a new personal best. The newcomer trying to improve their fitness. There is also an important social side.
Dungiven native Chris McNicholl has lived in the Moneyneana for the last 20 years and is among the latest to discover the world of parkrun.
“I have been walking and running around the Rural College and the beautiful Derrynoid Forest since moving here,” he said
“I am embarrassed to say I only did my first official parkrun there last week. Parkrun is a free, community organised event where you can walk, jog or run 5k.”
“The Derrynoid route consists of three laps of the beautiful forest park. As a Sports Physiotherapist, I encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving.
“I can assure people that running is not bad for your joints and as a 51-year-old with ‘wear and tear’ in my hip and a sore Achilles, the best thing to do is keep strong and active,” added McNicholl, the lead physiotherapist for Ulster Rugby.
“Personally, I exercise outdoors weekly to manage the stress I find from work and maintain my mental health.
“I would like to commend the volunteers who arrived early to set up the course bringing tea/coffee and refreshments for the walkers and runners to enjoy afterwards.
“I arrived last week and met a host of friendly faces to include the local legend Teresa Kidd, a multiple winner of the Belfast Marathon.
“I even met one of my own groomsmen and his 11-year-old son (who embarrassingly ended up beating me!)
“If you fancy a lift, I would encourage you to give it a go. Derrynoid parkrun has been going for a few years but it needs volunteers to keep it ‘running’. If you fancy helping or taking part, you can find it on Facebook.”

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