This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Olwyn Dunne, mum of 3 boys — is a Dublin-based powerhouse with a seriously impressive parkrun journey. With over 220 parkruns, 267 volunteer stints, and 65 marathons under her belt, Olwyn has spent more than a decade building community, championing inclusion, and literally saving lives.

In her role as parkrun Ambassador for over 7 years, she helped launch Cabinteely and Shanganagh parkruns, and brought parkrun into a rehabilitation centre supporting young offenders and those recovering from addiction. But her impact doesn’t stop there.

After her husband survived a cardiac arrest while training for a marathon, Olwyn turned crisis into action — training in CPR and AED use, and teaching others at parkruns in Dublin. Just six weeks after one of her sessions, those skills saved another life.

This episode is a celebration of showing up, giving back, and the quiet heroism that lives in parkrun communities. Tune in for a moving conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of parkrun to transform lives — one Saturday at a time.

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Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of John Altman, famously known as 'Nasty Nick Cotton' from EastEnders. After captivating audiences for nearly 30 years as a soap opera villain, John has embraced a new passion: parkrun. Discover how this iconic TV bad boy transformed into a dedicated parkrun lover and volunteer, sharing his love for fitness and community. Tune in to hear John's inspiring stories, from his days on set to his adventures on the running track. Don't miss this unique blend of celebrity insight and heartfelt motivation!

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

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In this episode, Catherine sits down with Gorey parkrun legend Gary Doyle, who recently celebrated a rare double milestone: 200 parkruns and 200 volunteer stints — on the same day. From barcode scanning to run directing, Gary’s commitment to community is matched only by his love of Oasis and his ever-expanding collection of running shoes!

We explore how a newspaper article (and a nudge from his wife Aoife) kickstarted his @parkrun journey back in 2017, the joy of running alongside his son Noah, and why volunteering gives him just as much — if not more — than crossing the finish line. Expect warmth, wit, and a reminder that “5k is 5k no matter how long it takes.”

Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

From the very home of parkrun at Bushy Park in the UK, Carol and Jonathan have tirelessly dedicated themselves as serial volunteers and runners, not just for the adult parkrun but also for Junior parkrun. Their commitment weekend in and weekend out embodies the spirit of volunteerism that makes parkrun a global phenomenon.

And as the global parkrun community hits its 1 millionth individual volunteer milestone this weekend (7th Sept 2025), there's no better time to join us as we dive into their inspiring journey, hear their stories, and celebrate their immense contribution to the parkrun community. This episode is a beautiful testament to the power of dedication and the heart of parkrun volunteers. Tune in for a journey of passion, community, and the spirit of giving back!

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

Since the 5th ever parkrun in 2004, Pat McGrath has been lacing up—and lifting up—his community. With over 700 runs, 180+ volunteer stints, and nearly two decades coordinating 70+ helpers every Saturday at Bushy Park in the UK, Pat’s story is a masterclass in commitment, kindness, and the quiet power of showing up.

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

Nick Alexander's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of parkrun. After moving to Dublin, he found himself battling alcohol addiction and the isolation that goes with it. He shares his courageous story of how he discovered parkrun, a simple weekly timed 5k event that became the foundation for his recovery. In this moving episode, discover how a community of runners and walkers helped him overcome his challenges, leading him to complete over 30 marathons and volunteer over 150 times.

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

Minreet Kaur, an award-winning UK journalist, had never considered herself a runner. But during lockdown, she found an unexpected passion for the sport that changed her life. In this powerful episode, Minreet shares her parkrun journey from a self-proclaimed 'non-runner' to a community builder, and why she founded the Asian Women Run group. Discover how running became her therapy and her mission to help others find their stride.

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

Join me as I chat with Nick Blanchard, a dedicated parkrun enthusiast who has been a fixture at Bushy Park for over 15 years. Nick shares his journey from a non-runner, to runner and then to a key volunteer, offering unique insights into the community spirit and social impact of parkrun. Discover how parkrun has transformed lives (including Nick's), fostered friendships, and strengthened local communities.

Key Takeaways:

The origins and growth of parkrun

Nick's personal transformation and volunteer experiences

The social and economic benefits of parkrun

#NickBlanchard #Parkrun #Community #Running

Send us a text

Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!