Time to get running for Fitzer’s 5K...
23rd February 2019 at 11am
THE time has come round again for Fitzers Fun Run and Walk. It’s hard to imagine but this is the eighth year that the event will be staged, but like all good things you can’t get enough of them.
That is certainly the case with Fitzer’s Run and Walk that was conceived with the noble aspiration to help local organisations that are playing a vital role in helping those not so fortunate and need more than a normal helping hand.
The nominated beneficiaries have proven a Godsend to those they help and their families. Again not surprisingly the Maria Goretti Children’s Respite Centre and RehabCare Adult Services, Dundalk will jointly receive between them the proceeds raised from the event on Saturday, February 23.
How valued what they do is reflected in the support for and participation level in the event that is geared for young and old and those in between, and can complete the 5km course in their own way whether, walking jogging, pushing a pram or even walking the dog, and in their own time.
Every year without exception there has been virtually a capacity entry of 500 plus, and among those has been and again will be the man whose idea it was to stage the event for such worthy causes, Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick.
Peter has been a keen sportsman and athlete all his life, and saw it as an obvious channel to raise precious funds. The appeal that it holds for a wide spectrum of participants, some competitive and a lot who are not is evident each year, with all proud and pleased to play their part to do so much good in the local community.
The organisers are fortunate that they have also loyal and generous supporters. The like of Toolbox who have provided T shirts for participants. Horseware is another local business that lends valuable financial backing , and provides a hospitality tent where the participants can talk and relax and enjoy refreshments after the their exertions, and replenish their energy.
The event couldn’t be staged without the wonderful co-operation of the Marshes Shopping Centre, which the organisers have the run of on the day, being where the event starts and finishes. .
The night before a registration stand is kindly allowed to be mounted for participants to pre-register and collect their chipped pin for recording their time and free t shirt.
Registration is also facilitated at the Centre prior to the race from 9am until shortly before the start at 11am on the day.
Other local businesses like Fyffe’s with their bananas row in behind the venture. It all means that the entire entry fee of is handed over to the two worthy causes.
To encourage families and young people to take part, the organisers offer a special entry rate which is for two adults and two children under-16. Basically the children are given free entry.
The event caters for the competitive entrants, with several prize winning categories, including for senior men and women, the over-60s, both men and women again and also junior boys and girls aged 16 to 18.
But primarily the objective is and the big satisfaction for all involved is to make life easier for those less privileged than they are.
The event will follow the usual route, starting and finishing at the Marshes Shopping Centre, proceeding from the Ramparts onto the Avenue Road as far as the Avenue Road roundabout, along the Inner Relief Road and back to the main entrance of the Marshes.