The search is on for Ireland’s fittest firm! One of Ireland’s favourite charity events is this year establishing a league table so you can challenge rivals, get fit, and help an immensely good cause all at once.
The Fighting Cancer Triathlon returns to Belvedere House, Gardens and Park near Mullingar on June 15 and organisers hope to smash their €1.5 million fundraising target this year. Every cent raised goes directly to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust with no deductions for administration or overheads. CCRT is dedicated to achieving better outcomes for the 20,000 cancer patients diagnosed in Ireland every year. “Cancer research is very expensive and there are limited sources of funding for patient-orientated research in Ireland,” says consultant oncologist Professor John Crown. “We are virtually wholly dependent on the generosity of charitable donors, both individuals and collective groups.”
While companies and clubs will relish the competitive element of the event, the majority of participants take part to improve their personal fitness. Countless studies have linked successful fitness programmes to the establishment of attainable goals. Motivation wanes if targets are unrealistic and new research by Bodybuilding.com indicates that almost seven out of ten people ditch their new year fitness resolution for this reason.
According to chairman John O’Reilly, “The Fighting Cancer Triathlon is tailored for beginners and is ideal if you have never participated in this type of event”. The course consists of a 750m swim in the placid waters of Lough Ennell, a 20km cycle, and a 5km run around the lush grounds at Belvedere. “You can complete the challenge as an individual or find two friends, colleagues or relatives to take part as a relay team,” Mr Collins continued. “It offers an achievable and realistic challenge and is a big hit among weight-loss groups for this reason.”
For more information log on to www.fighting cancertriathlon.ie
