Operation Transformation and Sport Ireland gets the country moving with most ever nationwide walks this Saturday

Thousands of people across Ireland are set to take part in the biggest ever RTة Operation Transformation Nationwide Walks event this weekend at more than 80 venues across the country. 

With new walks, this year's event, which has been organised in conjunction with Sport Ireland and the Local Sports Partnerships, is the biggest in the show's 11 year history. Over 100,000 people have taken part in Nationwide Walks to date with tens of thousands expected again this time around.  

The walks are open to all comers - young and old, experienced walkers and those looking to jump-start their January health kick - and will take place at venues throughout the country from 11.00am on Saturday 13 January, 2018.  

This year Kathryn Thomas will walking be alongside Leader David Cryan in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon; Dr Ciara Kelly will join Felicity Moroney in Raheny GAA Club, Dublin; Dr Eddie Murphy will be with Mary Diamond in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo; Karl Henry will join Sarah O’Callaghan in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan; and Leader Wayne O’Donnell will be joined by Aoife Hearne in Doneraile National Park, Co Cork.

Details of all the Nationwide Walks are available on the Operation Transformation website –

https://ot.rte.ie/get-involved/nationwide-walks/

Operation Transformation Fitness expert Karl Henry said: "Walking is great for all levels of fitness and a great way to get the heart pumping and best of all it is the is the easiest and most accessible exercise there is. Our Nationwide Walks are an excellent opportunity to kick your 2018 off to a great start and to support our five new leaders. It's totally free and walkers can take it at their own pace - but remember if you're not panting, you're not working hard enough."

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD commented on the nationwide event: “The annual Sport IrelandOperation Transformation walks are a very important event in the promotion of healthy living and the pursuit of exercise across the nation. Regardless of fitness levels, recreational walking provides an excellent form of exercise which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. I would encourage everyone to participate in their local walk this Saturday. ”

John Treacy, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland said: "Participation in physical activity remains high and recreational walking is hugely popular. The Irish Sport Monitor Annual Report highlighted recreational walking remains the most popular form of physical activity with 2.3 million participating weekly. Every year, thousands of people join our Local Sports Partnerships for the Nationwide Walks and the support they give each other, and theOperation Transformation leaders is fantastic."