Hundreds of athletes are expected to gather at the Phoenix Park for the Console 5k Run, Walk and Talk event to mark World Suicide Prevention Week on Saturday September 14. Hundreds of athletes are expected to gather at the Phoenix Park for the Console 5k Run, Walk and Talk event to mark World Suicide Prevention Week on Saturday September 14. Athletes, and their families, will have the choice of running or walking the event, in aid of national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console.
The chip-timed event begins from Chesterfield Avenue at 10am, follows a route through the Furry Glen and back up the Furze Road.
Registration costs €20 and under-16s can run for free. Registration details for both the run, and the walk which starts at the same time, can be found on www.console.ie.
“Two of Console’s central themes are community and communication, and the Run, Walk and Talk is the perfect example of this,” said Console’s founder and CEO Paul Kelly.
“We are asking people to get in touch with family members or friends that they may only see once in a while, and come together for a chat and either a timed run or a stroll in beautiful surroundings.
“Sponsorship cards are available from Console and donations will be gratefully accepted on the day.
“All funds raised from the Run, Walk and Talk will go directly to Console and will enable us to continue to provide our essential services nationwide.”
Athletes interested in taking part in this worthwhile event can register via www.console.ie.
Those who wish to support Console in a more relaxed atmosphere are encouraged to take part in the 5km walk along the same route which starts directly after the runners.
Console has full-time counselling centres in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Wexford, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. It also offers services in Kildare and Athlone and has recently opened a service in London.
Console also hosts its World Suicide Prevention Day Conference at Croke Park Convention Centre on Friday September 9, which will be opened by President Michael D Higgins.
A range of expert speakers will discuss issues such as the sociological reasons behind the high rate of suicide among men, parents bereaved by suicide and the need to promote responsible media coverage of suicide.
Details of the conference booking and the “Run, Walk and Talk” event are available on www.console.ie or by calling 01 610 2638.