Runners get ready for Tubber race
THE biggest race in south Sligo is back and this year should see one of largest number of participants taking part.
Tubbercurry’s St Patrick’s Day road race has been in existence for 44 years and it’s one of the top races in the athletics calendar.
Run by the South Sligo Athletics Club, it saw a whopping 430 people taking part last year, making it one of the biggest races around.
The Sligo Champion is on board again as Media Partner for the St Patrick’s Day Road Race, which is being officially launched this Thursday in Tubbercurry.
Emma Davitt and Gerry Lee who are part of the South Sligo AC organising committee, said plans are in full swing for another successful event.
Emma explained: “The race has been hugely popular and last year we were delighted to see more than 400 runners taking part in both the 10k race and also the 5k route.
“The 10k race is the main one and we decided two years ago to introduce a 5k element to coincide with the Couch to 5k Programme, which has become extremely popular in recent times.”
Gerry explained that the Tubbercurry Road Race is the biggest of its kind in South Sligo, attracting athletes from near and far.
“The Couch to 5k Programme has been going really well and we’ve already 95 people registered on that.
“The race will be celebrating 45 years next year, so it’s a big part of Tubbercurry’s history.
“Both Gearoid Surliss and Mrs ( Annie) Killoran were involved at the very beginning and after the race, everyone meets in Killorans’, as is tradition, for the prizegiving ceremony.”
The official launch of the 2017 Tubbercurry Road Race is being held this Thursday, February 16th, from 6: 30pm.
Emma said that there are various sponsors involved in the running of the event this year, adding their support was vital in supporting the race.
“We really appreciate all the sponsors who have come on board and would like to thank them for their support,” she added.