Last year more than 300 people ran twice around Galway Racecourse in aid of the Philippines based children's charity PREDA — and organisers are hoping that number will increase when the popular 5k is held this year on Saturday March 1.
The circuit at Ballybrit is ideal for 5k fans of all levels and abilities, and for participants, there is also the added satisfaction of helping the charity which strives to free children from adult prisons and child exploitation.
Athletic legend Catherina McKiernan will once again be fronting the run with comedian Maeve Higgins and members of Galway’s All- Ireland winning camogie squads also running on the day. Online registration is now available on http://www.runireland.com
The Run for Freedom forms part of the PREDA Freedom Weekend which will culminate with a night of laughter with one of Ireland’s best known comedians Maeve Higgins’ Fun for Freedom night with fellow comedian Gearoid Farrelly at 8pm in Róisín Dubh. Gearoid has been described by the Irish Times as being the next big thing in comedy. Concession available for ‘Freedom runners’ and tickets can be purchased online at www.roisindubh.net The overall event is organised by a team of volunteers from PREDA Galway and the weekend has received strong support from 13 local companies. The committee say it is refreshing to see the level of commitment that exists in the broader community in Galway in the fight for human rights for children and the interest there is in supporting the PREDA team working in typhoon affected areas of the Philippines supporting newly orphaned children and devastated farmers as well as freeing children from exploitation and imprisonment.
Last year over 300 entrants ran for freedom and PREDA supporter and triple marathon winner, Catherina McKiernan has described the run route as being a "flat, fast and enjoyable course suitable for every level of runner”.
There is a free beanie hat for the first 100 to register online. Entry fee: adults: €15 students: €10 children under 12 : free. You can register online or on the morning of the run between 10am and 11.30am at the main stand. The run will be on the road surrounding the race track and will consist of two 2.5k laps. There will also be free face painting by PREDA events partner party Partyfaces.ie . It promises to be a fun weekend affording you the opportunity to run with Catherina, rub shoulders with All Ireland winners and have a laugh with Maeve - all in the name of Freedom!
If you have the Freedom to run and laugh why not support “PREDA’s Freedom Weekend”?
Email predagalway @gmail.com if you have any questions . For more information on the work of PREDA checkout: http://www.predagalway.org or www.preda.org or check out PREDA Galway on Facebook and Twitter.
Organisers will to express their gratitude to the Galway Advertiser, Galway Bay FM, Roisin Dubh, The Western Hotel, Carambola School lunch suppliers, Hughes SuperValu, Galway camogie, Tig Coili, Monroe’s Tavern, Partyfaces.ie, McGrath Butchers and IMS marketing.
