Move with McKeon 5K Run: Building Health and Team Spirit

Move with McKeon 5K Run: Building Health and Team Spirit

27/03/2025

The McKeon Group team jumped into 2025 with an energy and a passion for health, connection and accomplishment, culminating in the team taking on a 5K Run together at Porterstown Parkrun on 22nd March.

The team has been training for this event since early January. The eight-week programme, led by Paddy Cassidy, Derek McBrien and Ruth Dunne, was designed to help beginners progress gradually from walking to running a full 5K. The training was versatile and flexible, perfect for anyone from complete novices and beyond.

Some colleagues ran on their own schedules at home or at the gym, and the coordinators organised two group runs a week – one from our Head Office on Mondays and another in the Phoenix Park on Wednesday evenings.

Walkers, joggers and runners were welcome, and the organisers strived to ensure that all employees, whether office-based, site-based or remote, were given options on how to participate and get involved.

As the day of the run approached, the excitement was palpable. Our event coordinators shared various tips and tricks with the team to ensure everyone was fully prepared for the day.

Crossing the finish line was a moment of triumph for everyone involved, with supporters from across the organisation cheering participants on.

Each participant received a medal and a certificate of achievement to mark their dedication and hard work. The team celebrated with a well-deserved post-run brunch, with prizes distributed, reflecting on their incredible shared experience.

The Team’s Reflections

“I took part from the beginning and I really enjoyed it. I always said I hated running, but the camaraderie and doing it as part of a group is so much more enjoyable, and it gives you that extra motivation to keep going. As much as it helped our overall fitness, I also really saw the benefits for my mental wellbeing and clearing my head. I would encourage everyone to try a challenge like this!” ~ Seán O’Reilly, Chief Financial Officer

“As a newbie to McKeon Group, I was delighted to hear that they were going to organise a Couch to 5K. A new job and an opportunity to try to get fit! To all the people who participated and our colleagues who took time out of their own weekend to cheer on their colleagues, it was heart-warming and very much appreciated. What can I say about Paddy, who kept us all going throughout the training period as well as on the day?  He’d come back along the course and encourage you to keep going when you needed it, and this, too, was super.  I was absolutely delighted to cross the finish line, having run the complete 5K! I’d highly recommend this type of event to any colleague.” ~ Anne Mallen, Quality Manager

“It has been such a joy to participate as a group and see us all making progress against our own goals; I certainly don’t think I would have stuck with it in the early dark evenings in January if it wasn’t for the feeling we were all in it together. I will miss our Teams chat and dodgy post-run photos that meant even when we weren’t all together, we were encouraging each other. Special shout out to “Coach Paddy” who made sure on every run that we were all ok and gave us (me!) encouragement when we needed it – especially that last little (didn’t feel so little at the time!) hill on our 5k!” ~ Clíona Molloy, Deputy Managing Director

Fostering Connection in the Workplace

The social aspect of this event was just as important as the run itself. Taking time to connect with colleagues outside of work strengthens our team spirit, builds lasting friendships, and reinforces the positive impact of the journey. This was more than just a fitness challenge – it was an opportunity to improve our overall health, wellness and mental wellbeing.

Be Part of Our Dynamic Team

At McKeon Group, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, support and shared success. If you’re passionate about teamwork, personal growth and contributing to a vibrant workplace, we would love to have you on our team. Visit our careers page for information about our open roles.