iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Valley parkrun and Marshaling duties and completed the Ted Rogers Dusty Bin Opposite Challenge. Today is also parkruns 22nd birthday! Places I have visited, people I have met, the reason I get out of bed at dark o'clock on a Saturday morning. We thank our founder @pauls-h.bsky.social #loveparkrun

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Charlie Pearce @charliepearce.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

parkrun Italy set a new national attendance record yesterday, for the second Saturday in a row.

Bar graph of parkrun Italy finishers by date

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Last of this weeks far flung parkrun tourism at Bere Island which is off the Beara Peninsula in County Cork. One lap course which is very lumpy but with the most amazing views. The crappy phone pictures don't really do it justice. Thanks as always to the wonderful volunteers #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

This book is by comedian and travel writer Pete McCarthy. Travelling around Ireland with 1 rule "never pass a bar with your name on it". The bar on the cover is in Castletonbere which is in County Cork. I'm there now enjoying a lovely pint of Guinness and deciding which parkrun do I go to this week🤔

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Lovely morning at Jesmond Dene parkrun in Newcastle. Lovely course around a public park but steps? Come on!!! One letter left for the Alphabet Challenge. Z. Volunteers were super friendly, very vocal and encouraging. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

At the airport for some parkrun tourism and my first 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 flag and I bump into Northern Ireland legend and former Spurs, Arsenal and Watford goalkeeper Pat Jennings. He was an absolute gentleman. A great start to the weekend.

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Today's parkrun was at Sixmilewater parkrun in Ballyclare. One of our club legends was doing her 100th parkrun. Course is fairly flat apart from a drag at the end of each lap. 3 small laps and a big lap. Bumped into old work colleague. Volunteers were excellent and super friendly #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Mum's cousin was killed in the WTC attack. When I did the NYC Marathon in 2014 I went to the memorial. You can go to a dedicated PC there and input the name of the victim. It will tell you exactly where their name is on the memorial. It so important to remember the victims and volunteers #911

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Wee bro celebrating his 250th parkrun at the Waterworks parkrun this morning. The Waterworks was the first ever parkrun in Ireland in November 2010. It has beautiful views of Cavehill on the route. Definitely worth a visit. Thanks as always to the wonderful volunteers #loveparkrun

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Run With Adrian @asnood.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Three years ago, I ran my very first parkrun in Shrewsbury🏃‍♂️ Little did I know at the time that it would be the catalyst for such a huge change in my life. It made me focus to become fitter & healthier. So today, I was back to celebrate my 3-year parkrun anniversary 🎉 #running #fitness #parkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Fantastic morning at Inch Beach parkrun in County Kerry with my tourism buddy Elaine. 2.5k out and back on very compact sand. We bumped into 2 people from Belfast who we know and chatted with a lovely couple from Bray which is near Dublin. Volunteers were super friendly and welcoming. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Some great scenery from the accommodation for our parkrun tomorrow. Any guesses where it could be? An easy clue - 2.54 centimeters.

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Charlie Pearce @charliepearce.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Yesterday's global #parkrun attendance was the third-highest of all time, with new national records for parkrun Austria and parkrun Canada, the highest turnout on a Saturday for parkrun Sweden and the third-highest attendance for parkrun UK.

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Another great story how parkrun can benefit everyone. Studies have shown that offenders feel better about themselves which hopefully can help in their rehabilitation long term. More initiatives like this need to be encouraged and supported by government. vm.tiktok.com/ZN8R4UfnJ/

vm.tiktok.com

TikTok - Make Your Day

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Jane McIntyre @voiceoverjane.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I know @parkrunuk.bsky.social isn't about winning. But we don't often see a female runner crossing the line first, so apologies for yelling: "COME ONNNNN! I MEAN....GO AT YOUR OWN PACE..BUT YAAYYYY!!!!" #overexcitexmarshal #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

NI Regionaire status reclaimed at Claudy Country park parkrun this morning with my tourism buddy. Lovely course with a few out and back sections on tarmac paths through the forest and alongside a river. Volunteers were engaging and very friendly. They are the legends of parkrun #loveparkrun

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Dave @davomaso.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Exciting times at Reigate Priory #parkrun today where we were stopped at 3.5k to let a firetruck pass (dealing with some smoulder). The park was dusty, the course hilly, and the community 💯 happy to wait! A great event. Thanks to those who made it happen #LoveParkrun #Running ❤️

A lovely oak, marking the meeting point for Reigate Priory parkrun. Saturday 1 August 2026.

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Great to be back on home turf this week for a spot of marshaling duties at Valley parkrun. Had a lovely chat with Jacob Warner from Cannon Hill parkrun in Birmingham who is over with his wife and child for wedding/holiday and some parkrun tourism. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Some local tourism at Pomeroy Forest parkrun which is another of the new N.I. ones. 2 laps around the trails with a few hills. Great chat with Eleanor and Andrew from Stormont parkrun as well. 1 more to complete the NI Regionaire again. Thanks as always to the wonderful volunteers #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Some not so local tourism for Y Promenâd parkrun, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos with parkrun buddy. Lovely out and back flat course along the promenade. Strange starting at 9am but slightly cooler. Only J & Z left for Alphabet Challenge. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who were super friendly #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Off to collect a 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 this morning at parkrun. Who do we complain to about the 9am start? 😉 I'm usually still in bed at 9am. 😭 Y am I doing this?

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Some local tourism at one of the new parkruns in NI. Riverside parkrun in Ballymoney for event no.10. Nice 2 lapper and relatively flat. Bumped into Waterworks and Carrickfergus regulars and had some interesting chat. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers. Wales beckons next Saturday 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Volunteer duties again at my home parkrun at the Valley parkrun. Timekeeper which is one of my favourite roles and minor change to start as the funfair was in town. Chatted to some local tourism finishers from Castlewellan parkrun who weren't appreciative of our hills 😆. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Marshal duties today at my home parkrun the Valley and escaped the rain that was forecast. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

There are very few better things in life than spending time with like minded people on a Saturday morning whatever the weather. Timekeeper this morning at my home parkrun Valley. Core Team Angela member celebrating her 250th finish as well and club member celebrating her 50th finish. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

@charliepearce.bsky.social Forgot to ask any info on Northern Ireland parkruns or Belfast parkruns for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend with Belfast Marathon on the Sunday? Apparently record overseas entries for the Belfast Marathon this year.

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

After a week off from parkrun because of Belfast Marathon Expo it was great to get back to my local parkrun at the Valley.

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

No parkrun for me this weekend because volunteering at the Belfast Marathon Expo Thursday to Saturday. On the course on Sunday for race day to shout encouragement and abuse at friends, work colleagues and running club mates. I think of a few people who should wear this number 🤔

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

15 years ago today i did my first parkrun. I have met some wonderful people who share the same passion about parkrun. I never thought I would run in prison or catch a 7 min flight to an island parkrun. Thanks again @pauls-h.bsky.social to for making our lives healthier and happier. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

parkrun no.410 took me across the border to County Cavan and Edwin Carolan Community parkrun. Not great conditions but super friendly volunteers and a great welcome and chat with others. 4 lapper and pancake flat. Finished 18th overall. Thanks as always to the fabulous volunteers. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Its not every year you can do a parkrun on your birthday and it was a glorious sunny day at Valley parkrun. No cake or buns which is disappointing 😕 but then I never told anyone 🙄. parkwalking with core team member Angela. Fantastic company and a great way to start the birthday #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

New parkrun in Northern Ireland? 🤪

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Sligo parkrun this morning. Lovely out and back route with 2 laps of local park in between. The volunteers were super friendly so thanks to them. First different location of 2026 and that is 70 different locations after being struck on 69 for ages. Nobody likes to be stuck on 69. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

It was my 400th parkrun this morning and stayed local at the Valley parkrun. Not an official milestone but it was my 200th parkrun there so Double Ton challenge completed. Wee bro also joined me. Thanks as always to the wonderful volunteers especially on a cold morning like today. #loveparkrun

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Charlie Pearce @charliepearce.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Yesterday saw a new global #parkrun attendance record, with over 400k finishers for the first time. 1/2

Table showing the 10 highest daily 5k parkrun attendances:

Date parkrun Countries Events Finishers
17/01/2026 20 2,104 412,258
19/04/2025 20 2,105 390,750
03/05/2025 20 2,120 378,924
18/01/2025 20 2,040 378,030
12/04/2025 20 2,121 371,368
08/11/2025 20 2,222 371,353
18/10/2025 20 2,224 368,494
25/10/2025 20 2,220 368,192
26/04/2025 20 2,086 367,185
11/10/2025 20 2,207 366,768

Bar graph of 5k parkrun finishers by date

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen: Prince Crowded House The Cranberries Aha Simple Minds

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Paul S-H @pauls-h.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Another wonderful morning with friends. Oh, and parkrun of course

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Another Saturday with many local parkruns cancelled but the absolute LEGENDS from the Valley parkrun were up 2 hours before the start to check and make sure the course was safe. Love yous! 3 500 milestones today so it was Cakesville Tennessee this morning. Thanks to all the volunteers #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

A wise man said "One of the greatest things you can give someone is your time" and this was highlighted even more this morning at parkrun. 45 parkruns in N.I. only 5 survived. At Orangefield parkrun and the volunteers were out gritting parts of the course very early this morning. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Just some of the highlights in my 2025 parkrun journey. Hoping for more of the same for 2026. Thanks as always to all the amazing volunteers.#loveparkrun Happy New Year everyone

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Tail Walking duties at my home parkrun this morning with Marvelous Mervyn. He is one of the countless people i have met through parkrun that i can call a friend ❤️One of the many benefits of parkrun. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

No better way to start the festivities. Catching up with old friends, new friends and giving love to the volunteers at Valley parkrun. 😍 Merry Christmas everyone. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

I don't have a lot of parkrun bling but this arrived yesterday so thought to give it an outing this morning at my home Valley parkrun. Stood at the start line ready to go and 5 seconds later I had to jump into Timekeeper role because of a minor hiccup by the person who was due it. #loveparkrun #phew

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

Another trip across the border this week to Cootehill parkrun in County Cavan. Although the RD today Colm told me it was the only one in Ireland that crosses 2 counties with Monaghan the other one. A beautiful 2 lapper through the woods and over a bridge. Volunteers were super friendly #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Trip across the border today with parkrun buddy Elaine to Dundalk parkrun for no.391. Just over an hour from Belfast and 3 and a half laps around Dundalk Institute of Technology. Volunteers were super friendly and thanks to ED and today's RD Brenda for the warm welcome. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

First time back at my home parkrun at the Valley parkrun. Holidays and some parkrun tourism keeping me away and kinda feeling guilty. Timekeeper duties this morning which is my favourite volunteering role. Not a great morning to be standing about but feelgood factor certainly helped. #loveparkrun

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Martin @occasionalrunner.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

All Northern Ireland parkruns completed with a trip to Limepark Playing Fields parkrun. Well organised and great encouragement from all the volunteers. Nice 3 lapper around the playing fields. Beautiful bright sunny morning and chatted with locals, 1st timers and C25k graduates. #loveparkrun

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