Thousands of Women to take to the Streets of Castlebar this Sunday

28 Apr 2011


Castlebar is getting all geared up to welcome thousands of women to the Mayo capital for the 2nd Western People West of Ireland Women's Mini-Marathon this Sunday 1st May. The event is expected to attract approx 4,000 participants plus supporters, family, friends etc. The organisers are planning a top quality event which will have something for everybody whether you are a participant or a supporter.


The 10-kilometre run and walk is being co-organised by the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership. Other partners include event sponsor Connaught Gold, Castlebar Town Council, Mayo County Council, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, the Mayo Athletics Community and local clubs / organisations.


While 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.


Now firmly established as the premier event of its kind in the west the arrival of so many runners, walkers and their families /supporters to Castlebar is sure to boost the local economy.


"Its been fantastic to see the response. Women are preparing for the event by training individually or through local meet and train networks which can be very sociable and enjoyable. Its something which we are trying to foster in communities" said Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert.


With the mini-marathon only days away the excitement is building. To capture the festival atmosphere the Mall, will incorporate a stage with music, food court area, childrens activity zone etc. The run / walk will commence at 12 Noon from the Courthouse with the Mall open to the public from 10.30am - 4pm. Both Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring will be in attendance to welcome all participants.


The organisers would like to ask participants and members of the public to be environmentally friendly and utilise recyclable waste bins on the Mall as well as the race route itself.


Finally with an event of this nature some temporary road closures will be in operation on Sunday May 1st and again the organisers would kindly ask the public to acknowledge these restrictions for the health and safety of all. These are listed below

  • 9am Mall Closure- until 4pm
  • Ellison Street Closure 11.30am - 3pm
  • Lower Spencer St Closure 10.30am - 12.30am
  • Duke St 12 Noon - 1pm
  • Newport Rd to Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
  • Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
  • Gallows Hill 12 Noon - 1pm
  • Newline 12 Noon - 1pm
  • Pontoon Rd to Ballinacarriga 12 Noon - 2pm
  • Ballinacarriga to Ballynew 12 Noon - 2pm
  • Ballynew / Turlough Rd 12 Noon - 2.30pm
  • Staball Hill / Thomas St 12.15 - 2.30pm
  • Bridge St 12.15 - 2.30pm
  • Main Street 12.15- 2.30pm

 

For further information log on to www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com or contact the Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025.