GOAL Virtual Mile
By Aideen O'Flaherty
Unlike previous years, local running tracks won’t be thronged with people on Christmas morning taking on the GOAL Mile run this year, and running clubs are instead encouraging people to take part in it virtually.
As in previous years, proceeds from the event will go to humanitarian aid charity GOAL and their fight against poverty around the world.
People who want to get their Christmas off to a charitable start can take part in the virtual GOAL Mile run, by registering online and logging their walk or run at any time between December 24 and December 26, instead of the traditional in-person Christmas morning run.
For the first Christmas Day since 2003, Tallaght Athletics Club’s running track will be silent and the crowds of people normally at the starting line will instead take on solo running endeavours to raise funds for GOAL.
John Cullen from Tallaght AC told The Echo: “Over the past 16 years the people of Tallaght and surrounding areas have donated over €115,000 to GOAL, who presently have people working in 13 of the poorest places on the planet.
“This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, GOAL is requesting people to support their virtual mile event.
“Most people will probably do their mile between December 24 and December 26, but it can be done whenever suits.
“The loss of the physical event is a huge blow to GOALs finances so it is appealing to people to support the virtual event.”
Over in Lucan, Lucan Harriers Athletics Club are also encouraging their members to take part in the virtual GOAL Mile.
While they’re disappointed that it can’t be held at the club’s running track, the club is hopeful that the GOAL Mile run will be back on running tracks around the country in Christmas 2021.
PJ Hyland from Lucan Harriers AC told The Echo: “We always got a good turnout at the GOAL Mile run every year, and we’ve raised thousands of euros over the years. In hail, rain or snow, people still came out.
“It’s been an awful year for everything, including a whole heap of events that the club would usually be involved in.”
Mr Hyland also praised the work of club stalwart and coach Gerry Martin, who typically organises the GOAL Mile at Lucan Harriers every year.
Mr Hyland added that the club, however, is still looking forward to raising money for GOAL via the virtual run instead, and looking ahead to next Christmas, he said: “We’re certainly looking onwards and upwards for 2021, but we’re being cautiously optimistic.”
The GOAL Mile run is open to everyone, including people who aren’t affiliated with local athletics’ clubs, to take part in.
To register for the virtual GOAL Mile run or to donate, visit www.goalglobal.org/goal-mile/.
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