PARTICIPATION Ladies Day in Castlebar
History will be made in Castlebar next May and ladies everywhere are being asked to play, or more precisely, run, jog or walk their part.
The first ever West of Ireland Women's Mini-Marathon is set to attract all ages to Mayo's county town be they a serious runner, leisurely jogger or occasional walker; in essence it's a one size fits all mini-marathon.
Bank Holiday Sunday, May 2, 2010 has been set aside as the date of an inaugural event that organisers hope will become a firm and much loved fixture on Ireland's athletics calendar.
The 10-kilometre run and walk is being co-organised by the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership and whilst the presence of elite runners is sure to provide the race with a strong competitive element, central to the Women's Mini-Marathon will be the opportunity for all West of Ireland charities to raise much needed funds for their respective organisations.
Indeed, a number of personalities have already signed up for the initiative, including TD Beverly Flynn, former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Nي Shْilleabhلin, director of Special Olympics Europe, Mary Davis and well-known Mayo cancer action campaigner, Mary McGreal.
Speaking about the initiative, Western People CEO, Brian Feeney said: "The Western People has wanted to organise a women's mini marathon in the West for some time and we're delighted that on May 2nd, this objective will come to fruition thanks to the co-operation between the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership".
"The event also presents a wonderful opportunity for local charities to raise vital funds" he added.
Never before has a women's-only athletics event of this size been held west of the Shannon and with goodie bags on offer for the first thousand entrants, the uptake is expected to be high. Indeed, the arrival of so many runners and walkers and their families and supporters to Castlebar for the West of Ireland Mini-Marathon, the local economy is likely to receive a significant boost.
"Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to be involved in this major local initiative to encourage women of all ages and abilities to become more physically active. In any project partnership and collaboration is vital to ensure success and when the Western People approached the Partnership in November inviting us to come on board with the initiative it did not take us long to make up our minds" said Mayo Sports Partnership chairman, councillor Henry Kenny.
With the mini-marathon a little over three months away, the preparation of many participants will soon get underway in earnest. In the weeks leading up to the big day, the Western People will be publishing training plans for runners of various abilities confirmed Sports Editor, Anthony Hennigan. "We hope will be of great assistance in the preparation of all participants, whatever their level of experience" he commented. "The response of athletic clubs from across the region, social running groups like Fit4Life, other sporting bodies, charity organisations and individuals has already been extremely positive so we're all looking forward to the day itself and expect it will be hugely enjoyable for all concerned."
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