Collaboration between Clean Coasts and parkrun Ireland is a great success in Mayo
On June 6 last, Clean Coasts attended Erris parkrun to promote the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign.
This exciting new collaboration between the two communities gave parkrun participants and spectators the opportunity to chat with Clean Coasts officer for the north-west region, Olivia Jones, to learn about how they can get involved with the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign.
Erris parkrun is regarded as the most westerly parkrun in Ireland, and the course offers spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Despite the muggy weather on the day, last Saturday morning’s event provided a friendly, welcoming atmosphere as Clean Coasts’ Olivia joined the 20 or so participants to promote the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign.
Among those enjoying the morning was a birdwatcher who was scanning the area for the Bean Goose, providing an interesting wildlife moment alongside the parkrun activities.
There was strong interest in the campaign from the parkrun community as they understand better than most just how valuable two minutes can be. Volunteering is also something they place a high value on, meaning the message of the #2MInuteBeachClean really resonates with them.
Several lucky participants received #2MinuteBeachClean kits by being the first participants up to the stand to say: “Small Actions – Big Impact.” Each kit included a foldable litter picker, making it easy to keep at hand for whenever the opportunity arises to do a quick two-minute clean up.
A free event, parkrun affords participants the opportunity to walk, jog, run, volunteer or just spectate. The route for parkrun is 5km and takes place every Saturday morning. Every Sunday morning, junior parkrun events take place, which is a 2km route dedicated to four- to 14-year-olds and their families.
The #2MinuteBeachClean campaign aims to encourage people to take just two minutes to collect some litter while they are out and about, snap a photo, and share it on social media to show just how easy it is to make a difference.
Jenny Branigan, territory manager for parkrun Ireland, said: “parkrun has always been about bringing people together for the benefit of community wellbeing, and we’re proud to expand that focus to include caring for our environment.
“Collaborating with Clean Coasts allows us to inspire parkrunners to take simple, impactful actions to keep the environment they parkrun in free from litter. Together, we can help protect the beautiful spaces we’re so fortunate to run, walk, and volunteer in every week.”
Anne Marie Kirwan, 2MinuteBeachClean campaign officer with Clean Coasts, added: “It was amazing to hear that the participants at Erris parkrun were so enthusiastic about the campaign. This is exactly what we hope to achieve from this collaboration. The collaboration highlights how community action can support both wellbeing and environmental protection. parkrun is a fantastic example of community spirit and positive action.
“The #2MinuteBeachClean Campaign is all about showing how small actions add up to big change, and we are delighted to connect with parkrunners in Mayo to spread that message.”