Farranfore is the place to be this St Stephen’s Day for the Christmas 5km

ST Stephen’s Day is the perfect time to lace up those runners and get out and enjoy the Farranfore 5k. Now in its 58th year, the run/ walk is one of the oldest in the country and is organised every year by the Farranfore-Maine Valley Athletic Club. In the past, the race has attracted such legendary athletes as John Griffin, John Lenihan, Jerry Kiernan, Mark Hanrahan and Neil Cusack, which has added to the race’s overall reputation.

Last year’s race attracted over 400 people and this year’s event starts at 12pm from Farranfore village where runners and walkers will travel out to Chapel Cross in Firies, and back again (a 2.5k route each way). The race is open to people of all ages and levels of fitness. Your pace is not what’s important; it’s having fun that matters. The fact the event continues to increase in terms of the number of participants taking part is proof of its popularity year on year. This is all the more remarkable when one considers just how many runs are held throughout the county at present. But history accounts for an awful lot, and the Farranfore 5km certainly has history on its side. This gives the organisers an immense sense of satisfaction, as well as the people taking part.

The first male runner home gets the Fr Dan Browne Perpetual Cup, while the first lady to cross the finish line receives the Fr Gearoid O’Donnachadha Perpetual Cup.

Registration is at the local Sports Hall at 10:45 and 11:45 on December 26 and all are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards, while post-race facilities like showers and dressing rooms are also provided. There will be plenty of prizes on the day. For more information the contact email is: farranforemv@gmail.com