Fancy getting into shape before winter sets in? Or are you already feeling fit and looking for a challenge?
Hundreds of people are expected to participate in a 5k Fun Run & Walk at the Knocknarea Arena, IT Sligo on Saturday October 15th. The event is open to the public and participants are expected to cover the spectrum from couch potato to ace athlete.
Daniel Furey, staff member at the Knocknarea Arena and organiser of the event, said it is designed to encourage people to get active and to show them that whatever their fitness level, running – or walking – can be fun.
It will also be an opportunity to showcase the state of the art facilities at the Knocknarea Arena. The route, which extends in a loop around the campus from Ash Lane to Clarion road and down the Bundoran road, will end on the international standard athletics track at the arena and has been awarded an AAI Permit. The track has recently hosted such competitions as the AAI national League, Sligo Community Games, and Special Olympics Connaught and participants in the Fun Run will be able to avail of car parking, and shower facilities at the arena. Refreshments will also be provided after the run.
The event will coincide with the prize giving ceremony for the Sligo Credit Union Road Race League which takes place in the Knocknarea Arena on the same day. Furey hopes that many of the local athletes who participated in the league will also take part in the Fun Run on the day.
While it is open to everyone, he has devised a training programme “From Couch Potato to 5K in 5 weeks” to help people who have not taken part in this type of event before.
Anyone who wants to register for the event can do so online at www.runireland.com for a reduced fee of €10 while registration on the day costs €12 and takes place in the arena from 10am to noon. The event kicks off at 12.30pm.
Prizes, including membership of the gym at the Knocknarea Arena, will be awarded Because it is a flat course, elite athletes may be encourage by the opportunity to improve their “personal best” times while less competitive participants will be reassured that there are no daunting inclines. “We hope that people enjoy it and that it will become an annual event,” said Furey.
To find out more contact furey.daniel@nullitsligo.ie or 071 9155211.
