Details of Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick's 5k Festival Road Race Announced
'Our target - to increase entries to new record level this year' - race director Eamonn Coghlan
Details of this year's Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick's 5k Festival Road Race have been announced.
Part of the proceeds raised will go to the Marie Keating Foundation with the balance going to fund facilities being provided for young athletes by the organising club Metropolitan Harriers & St. Brigid's Athletic Club.
The race will take place in Dublin on Sunday, 20th March, starting at 12.00 noon from the Mansion House on Dawson Street. From there, runners will follow a route through Georgian Dublin before returning again to the finish line at the Mansion House. Present to officially start the race will be the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Gerry Breen.
The organisers have retained the support of the same sponsorship team that has backed the event for the past number of years. Trading under the new name of Kleinwort Benson Investors, previously known as KBC Asset Management, their renewed commitment to the event has encouraged race organisers to plan for a record level of entries this year. A target figure of around 4,000 runners has been set with plans in place to attract runners from all parts of Ireland. Last year, over 1,700 runners participated - more than double the previous year's figure.
In its sixth year, the race is a highlight 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 dedicated athletes, families and fun runners alike. It is hosted by Metropolitan Harriers & St. Brigid's Athletic Club and organised with the support of Dublin City Council and An Garda Sيochلna.
Winner last year, in a record time of 00:14:12, was Mullingar athlete Mark Christie while Dundrum's Linda Byrne won the women's race in a time of 00:16:07. Team prizes went to Raheny Shamrocks (men) and Dundrum South Dublin (women).
At the forefront in organising the event is legendary Irish athlete and former world champion, race director Eamonn Coghlan. Commenting, Eamonn said 'remembering that it was my late father Bill who established the race many years ago, I am proud to work with colleagues from Metropolitan Harriers & St. Brigid's Athletic Club and officials from Dublin City Council and An Garda Siochana in keeping his creation alive whilst developing an event that brings such benefit to Dublin city.'
Supporting him in this role will be the Kleinwort Benson Investors team led by chief executive Sean Hawkshaw, himself a well-known tri-athlete. Commenting, Mr. Hawkshaw said 'we are proud to support this event. As it grows in stature, we are pleased to see it play an ever increasing role in attracting visitors to Dublin as part of the St. Patrick's week programme'.
Through the sponsorship of Kleinwort Benson - providers of investment strategies for pension funds, charities and corporate bodies - a generous prize fund of EUR6000 has been created, from which individual and team prizes will be presented.
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. Souvenir T-shirts and goodie bags will be given to all participants.
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 EUR15 applies to all entries received before March 15th. Entries will also be taken up to 11.00hrs on Race Day for a fee of EUR20. A special rate of EUR30 applies to families of up to 4 registering on the day (e.g. 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children up to 16yrs).