Blackwater 10k Charity Run and Walk in Rossmore Park

The family event itself accommodates everyone, as is a sporting occasion for the fitness enthusiast running the 10k, or a recreational stroll for those who would like to walk the distance and enjoy the scenery. The main aim is for everyone to have an enjoyable day while helping others. The main event will feature the 10K race sanctioned by the Athletic Association of Ireland with prize money at stake for the top finishers.
The excitement does not end there as the fun and activities are set to continue with refreshments served, bouncy castles and face painting for all to enjoy. This really is the perfect day out for families, friends, young and old. Why not make it more exciting and come in costume, as all fancy dress is welcome! With an astounding 1000 participants last year, the fun and festivities are hoped to bring in a greater crowd and add to the friendly, exciting atmosphere. Starting point is at Monaghan United’s Kingspan/Century Park, Gortakeegan, with registration and fee accepted on the day up to 11.30am. However to avoid queuing on the day, take advance by pre-registration on Saturday 13th May 10am to 4pm in Monaghan Shopping Centre.
Each participant is asked to pay a small registration fee (Adults: €18 run, €9 walk and €5 3Kfun run) with their entry form, which will go towards two worthy causes. On finishing the course, they will receive a commerative mug, medal and refreshment pack and a prize giving ceremony will take place for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed in each category. The Blackwater 10K is one in a number of events being co-ordinated by the Blackwater Across the Border project part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the Peace III Programme funded through Monaghan Peace III and South West Cluster Peace Partnerships. Monaghan Town Council, Monaghan Sport Partnership, Monaghan Phoenix and Glaslough Harriers have also assisted in promoting this event.
While people from all over Monaghan participate, it is very encouraging to see the event attracts over 200 competitors from outside the County over the last couple of years. . This event helps to build the profile of Monaghan as a tourist attraction and brings much needed revenue in to the County.
Meath, Longford, Fermanagh, Louth, Galway, Dublin, Down, Donegal, Cavan, Antrim, Sligo, Tyrone, Armagh and as far a field as Waterford were all represented in great numbers. Judging by the early entries for 2011, it is expected that many of those who competed in the 2010 event will return to attempt to beat their time in 2011.
The ratio of males to females was quite evenly split with the fairer sex expected to exceed the numbers of males in 2011 through the establishment of running groups such as the Jolly Joggers in Emyvale and we expect a number of large groups from Special Olympics Monaghan committee joined by the Faith and light lead by Margaret Mc Elroy and colleagues.
And it’s not all about being young and fit to be able to take part – the eldest competitor registered in 2009 was 71 years of age and there were a number of septuagenarians who eagerly completed the challenging course of Rossmore Forest Park. From registration details over 60 competitors were aged 50 years or over in the past number of years. So as you can see athletics is for life and as promoted by the Athletics Association of Ireland, we should all train to be ‘Fit 4 Life’. It’s never too late to start and if you have not prepared for the 2011 event, consider walking the 10k route and make a promise to train to run in 2012!
If you would like to take part one the day but feel that 10k could me a little too far, volunteers are sincerely welcome to help out with the running of the day. Spectators are also invited to cheer on those taking part so remember your whistles and posters.
To register please find application forms in local businesses around the Monaghan or download your form at www.visitblackwaterregion.com. or pre-registration on Saturday 13th May 10am to 4pm in Monaghan Shopping Centre For any further information, please contact Blackwater Regional Partnership Offices on 0044 (0) 28 3756 9102 .