The annual Spraoi agus Spórt Fun Run takes place this Friday 2nd June, in Carndonagh starting at 7.30pm. Registration opens at 6pm so get there in plenty of time, says Spraoi agus Sport chief executive Helen Nolan.
“The 5K run/walk kicks off Ard Colgan in Carndonagh going via Foden, Moville Road and Pound St., before finishing in The Diamond. The run/walk is to celebrate the end of our Couch to 5k programme and to raise funds for our disability programmes and activities.”
Registration is at the Spraoi agus Spórt office in Unit 6 in the Supervalu complex. Helen says it costs just €20 per family to take part with individual rates of €10 for an adult and €5 for a child.
“We’ll be giving away lots of prizes on the night,” says Helen. We have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd for men, women and children.”
Helen says last year over 100 people took part. “What people liked most about the race was the fun and comradery. We’ll be celebrating the finish when the run is with refreshments in Unit 6 afterwards.”
“But it will be a double celebration because we also want to pay tribute to all of the 30 people who took part in our 8-week ‘Couch to 5k’ Programme. This programme makes it easy for those with low fitness levels to join an easy exercise regime which is both affordable and fun.”
“It takes people from doing no exercise at all through to being able to run 5K. So, no previous experience is necessary,” says Helen. It’s aimed at teenagers (16+), men, women and older people of all fitness levels and abilities. Participants can set their own goals and do a combination of walking and running to achieve them. They are all supported by experienced coaches from Inishowen Athletics.
“But Couch to 5K has real physical and mental health benefits”, says Helen, “because exercise boosts your mood and your heart health. The programme also gives you a chance to meet and mix with others at the same level as you.”
The Couch to 5K ends with this Friday’s Fun Run, which plays an important role in raising money for Spraoi agus Spórt. “All funds raised are used to employ special needs assistants so children with a disability and/or autism can attend our camps and services. Being inclusive is a huge part of what we do here so this is vitally important.”
For details, call Mary at Spraoi agus Spórt on 0749373303 or email bookings@spraoiagussport.ie