Young and old turn out for GOAL Mile Run
PEOPLE around the county donned their running shoes over Christmas and took part in local GOAL Mile Runs, raising thousands of euros for the international humanitarian charity in the process.
Over €6,000 was raised at the 19th annual run at Tallaght Athletic Club’s running track just off the Greenhills Road on Christmas morning.
John Cullen from Tallaght AC told The Echo: “The event was blessed with a fine bright morning which added to the atmosphere.
“Some people came in their Christmas finery, and it was lovely to see some of the smaller children doing their mile on bikes and scooters which Santa had delivered on the previous night.
“The fastest mile of the morning came from Ballyboden St Enda’s and Dublin footballer Colm Basquel who ran 5.06. He then took a few minutes rest and returned to run another mile in 5.30.”
On the same morning, over 300 runners and walkers lined out for a GOAL Mile Run in Knocklyon and raised over €1,000 for GOAL.
Ciarán Ahern, who organised the event, said: “Our second annual Knocklyon GOAL Mile took place on Christmas morning.
“We had much improved weather this year which resulted in a much larger crowd attending than last year.
Mayor Emma Murphy and Ciaran Ahern in Knocklyon at the GOAL Mile Run
“It was a crisp and clear Christmas morning – perfect conditions for a jog or walk or trying out a new bike from Santa with parents trying desperately to keep up!
“We availed of the beautiful newly-opened Dodder Greenway around Cherryfield for our route this year.
“We are really grateful for support from Templeogue local and 800m Irish Olympian, Nadia Power, Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Emma Murphy, and Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA Club.”
Over in Lucan, the Lucan Harriers Athletic Club’s running track played host to a GOAL Mile Run and over €4,000 was collected on the day.
Colin O’Gara, PRO for Lucan Harriers AC, told The Echo: “What started off as a damp morning turned out to be a lovely bright morning by the time the annual GOAL Mile kicked off at 10am on the Lucan Harriers track.
“This year was the 40th staging of the GOAL fundraiser and the 21st time it’s been held on the Lucan Track.
“Young and old turned out with plenty of Christmas spirit on show and the usual generosity.
“Over €4,000 was collected on the day in buckets with the final figure not yet known, online contributions have yet to be credited to Lucan Harriers.
“We had many walkers, some walked/jogged, others raced it, there was something for all abilities that morning.
“Many members of Lucan Harriers and neighbouring clubs took part on the day.
“Other local sports clubs such as Lucan Sarsfields and Weston Hockey also turned up in their club colours. Plenty of GOAL green t-shirts on display as well as the red and black of Lucan Harriers.
“A big thank you to all who helped in the organising of the event, for those on the start/finish line, to those manning the buckets and to everyone in the Lucan community who support this event this year and every year.”
The GOAL Mile Run in Corkagh Park also had a great turnout, according to organiser Melissa McGuire, who added that the event was “greatly supported” by Park Run.
Goal mile weekend – Pick up this week’s Echo for four pages of pictures from local events?
