Monaghan Sports Partnership is delighted to lend its support to the 2nd Blackwater 10k Run and Walk taking place on Sunday 17th May 2009… entry details are below..
Courtesy of Blackwater Regional Partnership
You could not see the forest for the …people, would be a good way to describe what organisers have stated as ‘an overwhelming turnout’ that lined up at Kingspan/Century Park Gortakeegan for the first annual Blackwater 10k Walk/Run event held throughout the majestic grounds of Rossmore Park in May 2008. The success of this mass participation social / recreational and sporting occasion, has awakened many to the hidden gems of local natural splendour that exists only a mile from Monaghan town.
An astounding 1200 people turned out to support this large scale community event organised by local runners from Phoenix Athletic and Glaslough Harriers under the auspices of Blackwater Regional Partnership.
Starting off from the sprawling campus of Monaghan United F.C. after words of welcome from Monaghan Town Mayor Cllr. Padraigin Ui Mhurchadha, competing athletes of all ages led the pack in clustered formation before eventually spreading out along the tarmac avenue leading up towards the site of the castle grounds. Walkers followed with arms swinging as excited chatter filled the air as they engaged in a more relaxed pace and enjoyed the wonderful scenery of Rossmore. First to pass the finish line were boys and girls who entered the 4k Fun Run, and as with the more senior athletes on the 10k, they also put in a determined effort before returning to pass through the gantry accompanied by cheers from parents and friends applauding their efforts. Considering the winding forest trails and narrow paths the top senior male finisher Delfim Dimentel came through at a remarkable 34mins 32 secs and top female finisher Eimer O’Brien soon after at 39 mins 35 secs.
Comments from participants had been very positive, with one lady stating ‘ the route accommodated everyone, very well organised, the sun shining along with the wonderful smell of wild garlic, the bluebells in bloom, the support of all participants, combined to make a successful day and I look forward to next year’.
Each participant received a t-shirt, medal and refreshment pack on completing the course. Throughout the afternoon a true family atmosphere prevailed with the help of bouncy castles, face painting and penalty kicks. The spirit of volunteerism got a reassuring boost as 60 people signed up to assist with the wide variety of marshalling and catering duties that were necessary to ensure a memorable day was had by all.
As a result of the Blackwater 10k event in 2008, details of the 2nd Blackwater Run have recently been released with the eagerly anticipated family event due to take place on Sunday 17th May 2009.
Registration 9:30am entries also taken on the day
Start/Finish Monaghan Utd, Monaghan town
10k Runners €10
Walkers €7
3k Child Fun Run €3
1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes Men & Women
1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes M/F Junior
Veteran men 40-45-50-55-60
Veteran women 35-40-45-50-55
all details on https://www.monaghansports.ie/programmes/Blackwater10kRun.html
