The third annual Remembrance Run 5k Over three and a half thousand people participated in yesterday’s third annual Remembrance Run 5k in the Phoenix Park- a unique event organised by Athletics Ireland where people take part to remember family or friends passed or others who may currently be struggling with illness or other life challenges.
It was a lovely November day of bright sunshine in the Phoenix Park as thousands of people from all across the country completed the course for a myriad of reasons. It was a truly Unique Day with a Wonderful Atmosphere- Commentary, Music and a Special Wall of Remembrance adding to the special occasion for everyone who took part. The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir, located near the three kilometre mark added a dynamic new dimension to this year’s Remembrance Run and was hugely popular with participants.
“We wanted to make today a very special day for everyone in the Phoenix Park,” Frank Greally, originator of the event, said. “ The Remembrance Run theme has very wide appeal, with thousands of people also lining up to write on the special Wall of Remembrance located at the finish of the event. When you see so many people writing messages of hope and remembrance on the wall, it makes you understand what taking part in this event means to them.”
Remembrance Run enables participants to celebrate their own Gift of Days and Fullness of Health, while remembering those close to them. Each participant in yesterday’s event received a special souvenir Remembrance Run Candle and Certificate of Participation, as well as the traditional event goody bag.
Brendan O’Neill led the way home – finishing in fourteen minutes and 33 seconds. O’Neill was presented with the Con Houlihan Memorial Trophy- named after the legendary Kerry sports writer who passing in 2012, was the catalyst for the inaugural event taking place. Double European Cross Country Champion, Fionnuala Britton was the first woman to cross the finish line and she received the Noel Carroll Memorial Trophy.
“This was a rare and wonderful day in the Phoenix Park and you could not but be deeply touched by this unique event that Athletics Ireland is very proud to host, “ Athletics Ireland CEO, John Foley, said. “You could see that the whole experience meant something very special to every participant. It is very important that in our increasingly busy lives we take time to pause and remember people – family and friends- who have inspired us. Remembrance Run seems to have hit the right note here and long may it continue to be an annual event.”
Source: Athletics Ireland
