Avondale hosts Hospice runs
AVONDALE House and Forest Park was the place to be from Thursday to Sunday, July 6 to 9, as the fifth annual Wicklow Hospice Four Day Festival of Running took place.
Participants were invited to walk, jog, run or even crawl between one and five laps of a five mile circuit.
Those who chose to complete the classic marathon distance of 26.2 miles completed a 1.2 mile loop before beginning their laps.
Such was the huge increase in the numbers participating this year that the organisers were short of finisher’s medals.
However everyone who participated will receive their medal over the coming weeks and the organisers wish to thank them for their patience.
A big thank you is extended to everyone who gave so generously of their time and support including the many stewards, the Tarmey and Kenny families, John Sexton, Martina Sexton and husband Colm, Coillte and Norman Jackson, Wicklow Civil Defence, in particular Michael Richardson, ML Security, Wicklow Sports Partnership, Rathdrum Gardaí and masseurs Ludo and Shireen.
The event wouldn’t have gotten off the ground had it not been for the driving force that is Bill Porter and his committee of Sinead, Anne Marie, Vincent and Ciaran.
The final day was special for Wicklow grandmother Eimear Hurley who completed her 200th marathon. Many of her friends from MCI (Marathon Club of Ireland) and EAMS (East Antrim Marathon Series) came along to join her on this special occasion.
Wheelchair marathoner extraordinaire Jerry Forde completed the classic distance of 26.2 miles each day. Also Arklow resident Susan Dixon reached another milestone on day three when she completed her 50th marathon.
Over 200 people took part in this event and thanks to their support, approximately €9,000 was raised for Wicklow Hospice.
The good news for Festival of Running regulars is that plans are already underway for the 2018 event so start your training now.