Last Friday evening the Curraghchase 10k Run/Walk launch night took place at Enable Ireland Adult Services in Mungret. Present on the night were members of the public, sponsors of the event and sporting stars, Cian Lynch, Adrian Breen, Kevin Downes, Barry Hennessey and Tom Morrissey from the Limerick hurling team, Irish Olympian Rose Mary Ryan and Transplant games winner John Loftus.
Organised by Kilcornan Community Development Committee, the Curragh-Chase 10k is now in its 4th year and speaking at the launch night, chairman of the Curraghchase 10k, James O’Shaughnessy said, that this year’s race which takes place on August 16th, promises to be the biggest yet. While thanking everyone for turning up at the launch, James said that the support and interest this year from both sponsors and participants was huge. He also thanked Coillte, for the use of the forest park, pointing out that it was the stunning scenery that makes the Curraghchase 10k one of the most popular 10k’s amongst runners and walkers in Munster.
In keeping with the Run/Walk’s slogan “Take the Scenic Route”, the Curraghchase 10km Run/ Walk is staged through the picturesque woodland area of Curraghchase Forest Park and around the former residence of famous Irish poet, Aubrey de Vere. This road race will also take in many of the forest parks sites of interest including, the Gerard McDonnell memorial tree planted in memory of local Kilcornan man Gerard McDonnell, who was the first Irish man to summit K2. James mentioned that this year the Curraghchase 10k were delighted to be teamed up with Enable Ireland as their chosen charity and complimented the Enable Ireland on their fantastic facilities and the great work they do with children and adults with disabilities.
James also mentioned that registration numbers are already higher than the previous 3 years. Participants can register now online at eventmaster.ie and if they get in early and within the first 500, they will receive a deluxe sports pack, which consists of a sports bag, sponsors goodies/promotions and offers. They will also receive the Curraghchase 10k Run/Walk Jersey which will be announced shortly on the Curragh-chase 10k Facebook page. Registration for adults is €20, €10 for under 18’s and kids under 12 are free. Speaking about the popularity of the race James revealed that they already had people registered from all around the country, cementing the fact that the Curraghchase 10k has become one of the “must do” 10k’s in the racing calendar. His advice to anyone who wants to take part is to register early online at eventmaster.ie and hopefully get in on time for the deluxe race packs.
Finally James thanked the sponsors of the event saying that the Curragh-Chase 10k Run/Walk would not be as popular, successful or even possible without their support.