Looking for a way to burn off the excess calories from the Christmas dinner and support mental health? The Jog the Bog fun run is taking place in Oughterard at 1pm on St Stephen’s Day.
There are two routes from which to choose - an easy 3k course along the Pier Road, and a more challenging loop around the Old Bog Road with both finishing in the GAA club house where seasonal refreshments will be provided.
This year, the race organisers have teamed up with See Change, the National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership, in an effort to challenge the shame that surrounds mental health problems.
As part of this initiative, Jog the Bog fun run participants will be invited to “Stamp Out Stigma” by stamping footprints on a giant canvas after they cross the finish line as a show of community support for mental health. The finished canvas will be displayed in the town in the New Year to spread a message of openness and understanding of the mental health issues that anyone can experience.
Oughterard local and See Change ambassador Fiona Kennedy said, “Admitting to having depression was one of the most terrifying, and at the same time liberating things I have ever done. I've realised I'm not alone, and that many, many others feel the same. It's an incredibly difficult illness, but made so much harder by silence and fear of judgment. An event such as this, which encourages people to acknowledge and talk about mental illness, and maybe think about looking after their own mental health, is a huge step towards breaking down the stigma that causes so much pain for so many people.”
The race organisers were delighted to get involved with See Change as part of this year’s event.
“We are hoping for a good turnout,” says race organisers Harry Walsh, Maria O’Halloran, and Sinead Grimes. “Last year was our first year and 145 people took part, there was a great festive atmosphere. It is a great local family event and even better if it goes some way towards tackling the stigma surrounding depression.”
Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome for a fun and friendly outing to work off the Christmas dinner and continue the festive spirit. All funds raised will go towards the creation of a recreation park at Corribdale grounds and the underage GAA teams.
Registration for the event starts at 12 noon at the GAA clubhouse and the fun run starts at 1pm
The cost is €10 per entry, €15 per family group and €5 for OAPs and minors.
For more information visit: www.jogthebog.webs.com for further details.
