from AAI website Over 9000 people attended the Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival in the Grounds of Farmleigh House on Sunday 27th July to make it one of the busiest sports festivals of the summer. The day got off to a great start with of with over 600 people taking part in the 5k Fun Run which took in the spectacular grounds of Farmleigh House. At 10.30am, on completion, the runners were welcomed by the fresh smell of home grown produce from the a Farmers Market, and the sounds of one of many bands that played throughout the day.
The families didn’t have time to rest as the fitness festival in which thousands of children from 1yr old took part in varied athletics activities headed by the Athletics Ireland’s Little Athletics programme. Enthusiastic volunteers enjoyed the summer sun as they took thousands of budding young athletes through an array of athletics challenges designed for children aged 1-13 yrs old. Supported by Orienteering Ireland, who provided the children with a fascinating challenge through the grounds of Farmleigh house, and the under 5’s were treated to the Big Toddle supported by Barnardos.
Among other activities on the day was a speed challenge were children and adults alike were put through their paces to see how fast they could complete an obstacle course and a fitness/Sports expo where people could touch base with a number of activities that were running throughout Ireland.
