ATHLETICS: Families urged to get off the couch and join the 2016 Spar Great Ireland Run

It's that time of year again when thousands of walkers, runners and elite athletes will sign up to take part in the SPAR Great Ireland Run.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jan 2016, 16:01 BST
Updated 12th Jan 2016, 16:03 BST
Belfasts Gareth Turnbull, the SPAR Great Ireland Run event organiser, joins sports model and fitness fanatic Lynn Kelly to launch one of Irelands most diverse athletic eventsBelfasts Gareth Turnbull, the SPAR Great Ireland Run event organiser, joins sports model and fitness fanatic Lynn Kelly to launch one of Irelands most diverse athletic events
Belfasts Gareth Turnbull, the SPAR Great Ireland Run event organiser, joins sports model and fitness fanatic Lynn Kelly to launch one of Irelands most diverse athletic events

Back bigger and better than ever before, the event will take place on Sunday, April 10 in Phoenix Park in Dublin.

For the first time ever the event will feature an exciting 5km route for beginner level runners, hoping to challenge themselves this year. As well as this, the event will host the Athletics Ireland 10k championships and Junior and Mini events making it an ideal event for all the family and all running competencies.

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The event will also offer 32 runners the chance to become County Captains and lead their team in the All Ireland County Challenge. To qualify, each county must have at least five registered runners. The county with the fastest average time will win the Ronny Delany trophy, which currently resides in Sligo.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run has always attracted a quality elite field with athletics stars including Fionnuala McCormack, Sonia O’Sullivan and international superstars like Kenenisa Bekele taking part. Last year’s race saw thousands of participants from 30 countries around the world take part in the race. Kenya’s Japhet Korir was named the overall winner and Gemma Steel of Great Britain was crowned the women’s champion.

Organisers are encouraging families and first time runners to sign up to the event for the chance to run alongside some of the world’s finest athletes and enjoy a fun, family day out in Phoenix Park.

Belfast’s Gareth Turnbull, SPAR Great Ireland Run organiser said this year’s race is already off to a flying start.

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“The SPAR Great Ireland Run is one of the leading races in Ireland and a highlight of the athletic calendar. Over 1,500 people have already signed up to the race for many different reasons, from the chance to compete in an elite race to reaching a new fitness goal and from raising money for charity to the chance to enjoy a fun, family day out with the kids.

“While the event attracts many elite athletes, there will be a festival of family fun on the day. We have a Junior and Mini event taking place and we’ve also introduced a 5k route for the first time this year suited to casual or first time joggers who want to challenge themselves.”

Early bird entry options are available for a limited time online. For more information on entry and to register for the SPAR Great Ireland Run visit greatirelandrun.org. Join in the conversation and watch out for training tips @GreatIrelandRun or on facebook.com/greatirelandrun

Related topics:AthleticsOrganisers