from Munster Express The inaugural John Treacy 10 Mile Classic and 5k Fun Run will be held in Villierstown, Co Waterford on Sunday, 17th May with a 12.30 start. Ready, Steady, Go! John Treacy pictured with members of Concern’s fundraising team at the launch of the John Treacy 10 Mile Classic and 5k Fun Run/Walk which is taking place on Sunday, 17th May in Villierstown, Co Waterford.
The organisers of the event who include Waterford County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, West Waterford AC, Waterford AC and the Community of Villierstown hope to attract a wide spectrum of participants and there is something here to suit all tastes.
The 10 Mile Classic will attract local running enthusiasts as well as the cream of athletics talent from around the country. Many families, children, older age groups and those new to the running scene will opt to walk or run the 5k distance. It is hoped that in the process many of those involved will decide to take the option of raising funds for John’s nominated charity ‘Concern’.
This event is all part of a wider objective to make County Waterford an attractive place to visit for an activity break and compliments very well its sister event the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford which will again take place this year on 30th August.
It also gives local people a chance to get active and perhaps to be introduced to a new sport in the process. Finally it is a chance for the people of the county to give civic recognition to the wonderful achievements of a true Waterford sporting icon.
Legend
John Treacy is a name which is synonymous with the highest levels of athletic achievement over the course of an illustrious sporting career. He is almost always mentioned in the same breath as his native County Waterford and his picturesque home village of Villierstown in the scenic Dromana area.
March saw the 30th anniversary of John’s famous IAAF World Cross Country Championship victory in Limerick in 1979 actually retaining the title he had captured the previous year in Glasgow. This summer is also the 25th anniversary of that famous silver medal winning performance in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The organisers are delighted to welcome Adidas on board as the main sponsors while the event is also supported by Fáilte Ireland.
The ‘Classic’ itself will be part of a lively festival weekend which is being organized by the local committee in Villierstown. This will include a wildlife talk, a traditional Irish music concert by ‘Draiocht’, a display by the Irish Coastguard at the beautiful location that is Villierstown Quay on the River Blackwater along with music, entertainment and fun for all the family over the course of the weekend.
Checkout www.thejohntreacyclassic.com for details on the weekend’s events.