For Greenock Glenpark Harriers’ first group parkrun tourism, the adventure started long before the run itself. For most of the group, it was a 4am rise to catch a 7:30am flight to Dublin. A caffeine boost at the airport worked its magic before the short, smooth flight across the Irish Sea.
After landing, the team made their way through the lengthy queues at Dublin Airport, joking about it being a warm-up, before hopping into taxis bound for Malahide Castle – the scenic setting for the day’s parkrun. Everyone made it to the start line in good time, with the Harriers even getting a special mention from the run director.
The run began with a short walk to the line, then the 5k route unfolded: a small loop followed by a larger loop, circling parts of Malahide golf course. The course was flat, friendly, and full of support from the locals, with perfect running weather to top it off. It also happened to be pacer week at Malahide parkrun, giving runners extra motivation to push for fast times.
The Harriers put in some strong performances:
- First GGH finisher was Graham McGrattan in 21:56, followed by Gerry Gallacher.
- Stephen Reid came through next, just ahead of the first female Harrier, Jill Aikman, who bagged her fastest parkrun of the year in 22:36 and 1st in her age category.
- Lynne Harrison followed, finishing 2nd in her age category, and thankfully didn’t get lost at an unsigned junction — choosing the right path and keeping her run on track.
- Alison Robertson ran a fantastic 27:11.
- Next in was Kenny Scott, with Sarah Jane Whalen close behind.
- Among the Harrier guests for the day, Cara Black (self-declared “not a runner”) stormed to a sub-28 finish. Her mum Sharon and sister Eilidh crossed together in 28:39/28:40.
- Rachael McDaid managed to pip Kirsten Robin – returning from injury – at the finish line.
- Lana Killeen clocked her fastest parkrun of the year at 30:13.
- Doris Heron and Charlotte McKay crossed together (despite Charlotte’s quick toilet detour!) in 32:58/33:00.
- Claire Melville paired up with another Harrier guest, Irene McIntosh, to round off the run.
Meanwhile, Emma Sinclair gained a volunteer credit for barcode scanning, all while living for the craic. She even spotted Nicky Byrne from Westlife – and is already plotting his recruitment to the Harriers!
Post-Run Adventures
Skipping a city stop-off (sorry Kirsten and thank you David! 
), the group enjoyed a hearty brunch in Malahide before heading back to Dublin Airport. Traffic delays meant an impromptu cool down to the terminal after discovering that Terminal 2 had been evacuated due to a suspicious package. Thankfully, the Harriers were flying from Terminal 1, so after a swift pass through security, everyone gathered at the pub for a well-earned drink (with a few obligatory Guinnesses – when in Dublin!).
), the group enjoyed a hearty brunch in Malahide before heading back to Dublin Airport. Traffic delays meant an impromptu cool down to the terminal after discovering that Terminal 2 had been evacuated due to a suspicious package. Thankfully, the Harriers were flying from Terminal 1, so after a swift pass through security, everyone gathered at the pub for a well-earned drink (with a few obligatory Guinnesses – when in Dublin!).The homeward flight left an hour late, but the pilot made up time with some “spirited” flying. A bumpy approach and rocky landing rounded off what was a truly memorable day. Overall, a brilliant first parkrun tourism for Greenock Glenpark Harriers – fast times, great laughs, and plenty of stories to bring home!
Thanks to Lana Killeen for this report