Spring has sprung so it is time to get out in the fresh air and start enjoying the great outdoors again.
To that end, a great new fitness initiative, called the Great Lakes Challenge, was launched last Friday by Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh.
The challenge is made up of five events and is a fun, new, series for people of all fitness levels, from dedicated runners to those just starting out.
Sponsored by Vaughan Shoes, it consists of five runs, along routes which take in some of the most stunning lakeside scenery that Mayo has to offer.
There are two 8k and three 10k routes in the series, all AAI approved, and organisers are urging people of all fitness levels to give one, or all five, of the events in the series a go.
The challenge kicks off on Saturday February 21, with the 8k ‘Out of the Woods’ walk and run in Tourmakeady.
The second event is a 10k in Clonbur on Sunday March 1, followed by another 8k in Carnacon on Saturday March 7.
The series continues on Saturday March 21 with a 10k in Claremorris and concludes with a 10k in Ballinrobe on Saturday April 18. There will also be a 5k in Ballinrobe on the same day.
There is still plenty of time to register for the challenge and to get some training in. What is more, because the challenge stretches over eight weeks, it is a great way to build fitness up as the series progresses.
Participants can take part in one event or make it a real spring fitness challenge and take on all five.
For more information on the Great Lakes Challenge and how to register, find it on Facebook, visit www.runireland.com or contact Noel Gibbons on (087 ) 7870055.
