A fleet of movie star Rocky lookalikes are all set to run from Galway to Dublin on Saturday September 13 in aid of the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console.
All decked out in the grey tracksuit and red headband of underdog hero Rocky Balboa, the charity runners will complete their 200km journey to Dublin’s Phoenix Park by running relays.
“We still have some spaces left and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to join us and run even a few kilometres along the way. The pace is slow and really anyone who is reasonably fit can do it. The only condition is that they have to dress like Rocky and make a contribution to Console,” said Gerry Cronnelly of the Monivea boxing club.
The run starts at Monivea in Galway and will travel along the old Dublin to Galway road picking up participants in towns along the way including Athenry, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Enfield, Maynooth, and Dublin.
The marathon relay will be accompanied by a vehicle convey providing food, rest and toilet facilities for runners and is expected to reach the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park at noon on Sunday.
“It’s about having fun as well as raising money and we are inviting people to sign up, or find out more, at our website thegreatrockyrun.com and at our Great Rocky Run Facebook page. People taking part don’t have to raise sponsorship, but they are asked to make a charity contribution which they can do at iDonate.ie or directly to Console. Console will receive 90 per cent of the funds raised with the Monivea Boxing Club building fund receiving 10 per cent,” said boxer Gerry.
Console founder and CEO Paul Kelly said the innovative event aims to raise awareness as well as funds. “Rocky was an inspirational character who triumphed over adversity and Rocky runners will be spreading Console’s message that there is hope and help available for people in emotional crisis and those bereaved by suicide,” he said.
Nationwide professional suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide (Freephone 1800 247 247 ). The charity has full-time counselling centres in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, and Mayo. It also offers services in Kildare and Athlone and has opened a service in London. Counselling, advice and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families, or children who have been affected by suicide. Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247 and many resources and useful information can be found at www.console.ie
