World Heart Day was celebrated in Athlone on Sunday September 27 with a 5k fun run and walk.
The event, which was organised by Athlone Regional Sports Centre was a huge success with all ages walking or running the route, all in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation and St Vincent’s Hospital in Athlone.
The day which was co-sponsored by the Athlone Advertiser was all about fun and participation. The Athlone Ravens Marching Band drummed up the atmosphere and ensured the participants were sent out in style. The runners were sent out first followed by the walkers who enjoyed great banter all the way around the 5k route.
First home in a time of 17.19 was Martin Fay, while Marie Therese Harte was the first lady home in a time of 22.52.
The day wasn’t all about speed though and Maureen Mulvihill, health promotion manager at the Irish Heart Foundation explains that; “World Heart Day aims to inform people around the globe that heart disease – mainly heart attack and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. This is also true in Ireland where 10,000 people die each year from this killer. We aimed to highlight the importance of being active for at least 30 minutes five times a week.”
Maureen was delighted with the turnout in Athlone and was high in her praise for the event. “There were walks on all over the country today but Athlone shone the brightest. It really was a brilliant event. To see young guys bringing in sponsorship cards because they knew of people with heart problems, to three sisters from Moate who did the walk together, to a man who travelled all the way from Cork to participate. What really impressed me was the feeling of a community spirit in the centre. It didn’t matter if you were 25 or 85 you got a great welcome which is a great reflection of the staff and everyone did something not just for the Foundation and the local hospital but for their own heart.”
Liam Cunningham, general manager of Athlone Regional Sports Centre was quick to pay tribute to all who participated.
