Countdown is on to the Patsy Kelly 5K Race
Over 1,000 runners expected to take part in popular event
Runners from Dundalk and further afield are gearing up for the sixth annual Patsy Kelly 5k Race which will take place on Saturday, April 8th.
Organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers from North East Runners, and held in association with Clan na Gael GFC and Athletics Ireland, the race was founded in memory of local runner Patsy Kelly who passed away in 2010.
Local company Flogas have been confirmed as the main sponsor of the race which begins at 6.30pm from Clan na Gael GFC on the Castletown Road. The local GAA club will also provide after race refreshments in their clubrooms.
All of the race proceeds go to charity. Last year’s race gathered €5,057 for The Birches Alzheimer’s Society and in 2015 the race proceeds of €5,245 went to the North Louth Hospice who are the designated charity again for this year’s event.
The course is popular with runners and 2016’s edition attracted over 800 runners. However, this year there are over 1,000 runners expected to descend on Dundalk, making it the largest event of its type in the town.
The following clubs have already registered for the race: Ardee & District AC, Ballina AC, Ballymakenny Bombers, Belfast Running Club, Blackrock AC, Blayney Rockets, Carrick Aces, Castletown Rockets, Clan na Gael, Cuchulainn CC, Curves Dundalk, Drogheda & District AC, Drogheda Triathlon Club, Dromiskin Fit Club, Duain Croi, Dunleer AC, Dunleer AC Fit for Life, East Down AC, Fighting Fit Gym, Fit Mummies, Glenmore AC, Jackie Agnew Fitness, Lakeshore Striders AC, Magheracloone Fun Run Group, Mattock Rangers, Monaghan Phoenix, Newry City Runners, North East Runners, Orangegrove AC, Reaghstown Chasers, Reigate Priory AC, Runners Support Page, Setanta Triathlon Club, Slimming World Swords, St Brides, St Mochtas, The Rock Club, The Running Club, Togher Zero to 10k and Weight Monkey.
Eoin O’Flynn, marketing manager of Flogas Ireland, said: “We’re very proud to be involved in the Patsy Kelly 5K as it is a wonderful example of volunteers and the local community working together to support charities that provide vital services to their area, like the North Louth Hospice Foundation. We wish them the very best for what is shaping up to be a fantastic event.”
Entry to the race costs just €15, The final registration day takes place on Saturday, April 1 at Clan na Gael GFC from 2pm-5pm. Alternatively, participants can REGISTER ONLINE HERE until Thursday, April 6th.
Race packs are available from Clan na Gael GFC on Friday, April 7th between 7.30pm-9.15pm and on the day of the race itself between 2pm-5.30pm.
Technical t-shirts are available for the first 800 entrants and all participants will receive a ‘goodie bag’, generously sponsored by sponsors such as Skechers, Largo Foods, Haribo, Value Centre and Spar.
You can find more details on the North East Runners Patsy Kelly 5K Facebook page or by contacting northeastrunnersac@gmail.com
