Tubbercurry prepares for 45th St Patrick’s Day Road Race
THE final touches are being applied to preparations ahead of the 45th annual Tubbercurry St Patrick’s Day Road Race which takes place in the south Sligo town this Saturday.
One of the landmark events in the athletics calendar in County Sligo, it is envisaged that over 400 runners will take part in the event which is hosted by the South Sligo Athletics Club. Last year saw almost 200 people take part in the 5k race, while 180 runners laced up for the 10k race. This despite the inclement weather conditions on the day.
The 5k run/walk gets underway at 12 noon, while the 10k starts ten minutes later. Organisers are accepting participants right up to race time with registration taking place at Killoran’s between 7pm and 8.30pm on the Friday evening and from 10am on the morning of the race, also in Killoran’s at a cost of €20. Alternatively, runners can pre-register online at coretiming. ie for €15.
There are prizes available in all categories including first, second and third place in both male and female categories in both the 5 and 10k races. There are also awards for first placed junior male and female finishers and team finishers.
Post-race refreshments will be available at Killoran’s along with the traditional prize-giving ceremony.
The first St Patrick’s Day Road Race took place in 1974 having initially meant to have taken place on St Stephen’s Day the previous year. The day has gone from strength to strength with several local charities benefiting.
This year, the local HSE run Gallagher House, which provides support and education to 25 people with intellectual disabilities from Tubbercurry and the surrounding areas will receive a portion of the money raised. The club also raises much needed funds for SHOUT during their annual Stephen’s Day run.
Speaking to the Sligo Champion, Emma Davitt, South Sligo AC PRO said:
“We’re looking forward to hosting the 45th year of the run. We had a bit of bad weather last year so it probably put a few off so this year we’re hoping to hit in and around the 400 mark.
“It makes it easier this year in a way I suppose as St Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday so it’s easier for a lot of people to make it this year.”