‘A bit of connection’: Sunday walks becoming a tradition in North Leitrim town

A new initiative in Kinlough has seen a group of people grow week by week as they go outside, connect, and be active.

Started by local fitness coach JJ Lipsett in October, the community walking and running club has gone from strength to strength each week, with a wide variety of ages taking part. “I really wanted to bring a community aspect to the town. I think it’s something that Kinlough has been lacking. It's something that can bring all age groups together on a Sunday when people usually don’t have too much on, get active and feel good for the rest of the day,” said JJ.

The group began with around 10 to 15 people, and more interest was sparked once JJ posted about it on social media. Since then, it has steadily grown. 

“We’ve had between 30 and 35 people the last three weekends. It's been an incredible start for something that’s only after beginning.”

The age range is extremely broad, with participants as young as nine and others around 65 years old. “What I enjoy most is the amount of different people that show up and be able to be part of a community where it wasn’t something that happened too much in the past.”

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The group meets at the community centre every Sunday for a 5km walk, all in the name of community and wellbeing. 

JJ noted that many people usually engage in walking, running, or other physical activity alone.

“One of the reasons I started this was because a lot of people tend to do these things alone. I wanted to bring people together who are likeminded, who wanted to get out of the house and have a bit of connection. People do want to be out more and interact with others,” he added.

JJ is preparing for a Christmas walk/run on Sunday, December 14, with the Daly Brew coffee cart on-site and spot prizes to be won.

To anyone who feels nervous about joining the walk/run group, JJ advises that there is a pace for everyone within the group. 

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“The beauty of it is that there’s a group for everyone. There’s slower walkers, faster walkers and runners. No one should be afraid to come and see what it’s like and there will be no one left behind.”