Run for Rita 5k brings together almost 300 participants
By Mary Dennehy
CLOSE to 300 people took to Tymon Park last Sunday to take part in a community-led, 5k fundraising event – which also remembers and celebrates a Tallaght mother who passed away in 2008.
Now in its fourth year, Run for Rita was organised in memory of Kilmanagh’s Rita Savage who passed away from breast cancer in August 2008.
Her daughter Glenda organised the first Run for Rita as a “once-off” charity event for the Irish Cancer Society.
However, the event was so popular that it turned into a fun, annual community event for the whole family – with local charities Social Circle (Autism services for children) and the Tallaght Cancer Support Group benefiting from funds raised this year.
Glenda told The Echo: “More than 280 people registered this year and there was a huge amount of kids, which was brilliant.
“Some people ran the 5k, others walked and there were kids on scooters, bikes and in buggies.
“It really was a lovely event with a great mixture of people . . . and it’s great to see Run for Rita turning into such as strong, local, community event.”
She added: “The success of the day in recent years has been overwhelming and it is a lovely way to remember and celebrate my mam.
“It takes a lot of hard work to make the day a success and I can’t thank all of my friends and family enough who help out and volunteer on the day.
“Thanks also to all of the people and businesses who donated spot prizes for the raffle.”
Thanks were also extended to Anzco for its sponsorship, Coca Cola, for providing bottles of water, Fyffes for supplying bananas at the finish line and the Kilnamanagh Credit Union.
After the event, a party was held in the Kilnamanagh Community Centre with refreshments, a DJ and monster raffle – the proceeds from which will be split between St Kevin’s Killian’s GAA Club and Kilnamanagh AFC.
The money from the 5k, which will go to Social Circle and the Tallaght Cancer Support Group, is still rolling in – with a final figure due to be posted on the Run For Rita Facebook page in the coming days.
