Balloons fly high as Jim completes his 50th parkrun

THE friendship between Jim Mullan and James Corry began so early in life that by the time they met in the classroom of St Conor’s Deaf Unit back in 1976, they were already well acquainted.

Since the day their friendship was struck up, the pair have never been far away from one another: As boys they played together in the school yard of St Conor’s; as teenagers they walked side-by-side through the halls of St Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys in Dublin; and as they grew up they never let their childhood friendship flag. In recent years their relationship has underwent yet another common development when James and his wife Sharon invited Jim to join them on a parkrun.

Since then Jim has went on to complete 50 parkruns, and James and Sharon have raised thousands for Marie Curie by running 5k per day for 365 days.

We spoke with Jim to find out what he and his friends have gotten from life on the road.

Jim said, “The parkrun has been the most positive thing I’ve ever taken part in. I’ve met a lot of new friends and continue to do so.”

The parkrun is an inclusive, friendly space which Jim says has had a profoundly positive impact in his life.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are deaf or hearing; when someone acknowledges you with a smile, wave, fist bump or thumbs up, that sort of thing makes you feel accepted.

“And I’ve even found myself teaching others simple signs to improve our communication – I’m proud of that,” reflected Jim.

Jim said that the parkrun has become a social bedrock for himself, James and Sharon, within which they are valuable members.

“Aside from all of the social opportunities which participating in the parkrun presents, there are the obvious health benefits too,” said Jim.

“I have a healthier lifestyle, I’ve lost weight and I’ve way more energy.”

And while the adage asserts that all good things must come to an end, Jim had no notion of drawing an end to his athletic exploits.

“I’m going to keep up the parkruns but I’m also going for the Omagh half – I’ve joined up with the 12 week training programme at Youth Sport.

“The members of the parkrun have made myself, James and Sharon very welcome and they do not see a disability.”

The community spirit which Jim feels wrapped in every time he attends the parkrun was perfectly encapsulated last Saturday morning at Omagh Leisure Complex when he crossed the finish line in his 50th run.

“I was presented with a cake and balloons at the finish line. I feel like that togetherness is the essence of the parkrun. I would strongly recommend running to everyone to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.”