Details of 2012 Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick’s 5K Festival Road Race Announced ‘With a focus on health and fitness to the forefront of people’s minds in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympics, we are hoping to see more families than ever before take part in this year’s Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick’s 5k Festival Road Race’ – race director, Senator Eamonn Coghlan.
‘With a focus on health and fitness to the forefront of people’s minds in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympics, we are hoping to see more families than ever before take part in this year’s Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick’s 5k Festival Road Race’ – race director, Senator Eamonn Coghlan.
The race will take place in Dublin on Sunday, 18th March, beginning at 12.00 noon from the Mansion House on Dawson Street, where runners will follow a route through Georgian Dublin before returning again to the finish line at the Mansion House.
Part of the proceeds raised will go to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin with the balance going to fund facilities being provided for young athletes by the organising club Metropolitan Harriers & St. Brigid’s Athletic Club.
Now in its seventh year, the race is one of the highlights of the annual St. Patrick’s Festival programme and a major element in attracting tourists and visitors to Dublin city. The first of only three city street races being held in Dublin this year, it is open to families and fun runners as well as dedicated athletes. The event is organised with the support of Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána who will close off streets along the route while the race is in progress.
Adding to the festive atmosphere will be an entertainment programme that features a live band, jugglers, clowns, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, fire eaters and a parade of motorbikes, to name but a few.
Speaking at the launch, Eamonn Coghlan said that the need for the public in general, and for young people in particular, to take part in events such as this is now more acute than ever. ‘As a society, we must get out and take part in events of this kind if we are to avoid storing up health problems for the future. That is why our race has been structured to appeal to elite athletes, families and fun runners alike’ he said.
Referring to the race itself, Eamonn added ‘I am proud to be involved in an event that was established by my late father many years ago and which still brings such benefit to Dublin city. With a focus on health and fitness to the forefront of people’s minds in this the year of the London 2012 Olympics, we expect to see more families participate than ever’.
Winner last year, for the second time in succession, was Mullingar athlete Mark Christie who completed the course in a time of 14 min 17 sec, just 5 seconds adrift of the course record which he set the previous year. The women’s category was won by Down athlete, Kerry Harty of Newcastle AC in a time of 16 min 21 sec while team prizes went to Rathfarnham WSAF (men) and Sportsworld of Templeogue (women).
The organisers have retained the support of the same sponsorship team that has backed the event for the past number of years – Kleinwort Benson Investors, providers of investment strategies for pension funds, charities and corporate bodies.
Those intending to take part can register on-line at <www.patricksrun.com> or by post to Mary Friel, Hon. Secretary, MSBAC, Unit 2, Coolport, Coolmine Business Park, Dublin 15. An entry fee of EUR20 applies to all entries received before March 16th. Late entries will also be taken up to 11.00hrs on Race Day for a fee of EUR25. A special rate of EUR30 applies to families of up to 4 registering on the day only (e.g. 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children up to 16yrs).
