‘Team Manuela’, the running team of 200 runners from the Connemarathon this year, issettotakeonanew challenge in 2015. Having raised €36,000 in much- needed funding for the Manuela Riedo Foundation in 2014, they plan on bringing 500 walkers, runners or crawlers to the Dingle Marathon this September.
‘Team Manuela’ will take on the full and half marathons in picturesque Dingle, Co. Kerry. 52 people
have registered already, with an additional 200 registering interest so far. Training groups will start in the new year all over the country and will cater for all levels of fitness. Results Fitness Gym in Galway have already committed to 100 of their members taking part.
Anybody considering fitness as a New Year resolution, following a hectic Christmas period, are encouraged to get fit for a good cause and this great event in September.
“500 is not a number we have plucked out of the sky” said team leader Shane Lennon. “This will represent one in four of total race entries. It also represents the same number in society that has or may experience sexual assault or rape. Dingle is
not just a great challenge but it will be the greatest awareness campaign, for this cause, that this country has ever seen. We need to show people just how big a problem we have, if we want to change things it starts by raising awareness.”
In April of this year, Shane led the first team of nearly 200 to battle the cold, wind and rain in
Connemara. Anyone interested in more details can get in touch with Shane directly by calling (087 ) 289-7957 or emailing [email protected] . The team will consist of both walkers and runners from all walks of life and all levels of ability.
The Manuela Riedo Foundation is a 100 per cent voluntary organisation and has provided funding of nearly €200,000 to professional agencies in Ireland since its formation. Funding has been allocated to the areas of education, prevention, awareness and healing. The Dingle half and full marathons take place on Saturday September 5 2015 and ‘Team Manuela’ will be organising weekend and day trip options for participants.
