Great Ireland Run 2011
- Great Ireland Run 2011 open for entries!
- Prospective runners can enter online at www.greatirelandrun.org or by calling the Great Ireland Run Hotline on 1890 930 139.
- Ireland's largest mixed 10k road race aims for 12,000 runners, joggers and walkers in the Phoenix Park, Dublin on Sunday April 10th
- Run is only event in Ireland to be accredited for its high standards by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
- Irish National 10km championships and special prize fund part of Run
The Great Ireland Run 2011 which will take place on Sunday April 10th in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, was launched this week by RTE Television Fair City stars Alan Devine, Aoibheann McCaul, Sam O'Mahony and Aisling O'Neill. The cast members came together to promote the importance of the Run in raising money for charities, particularly the Run's two nominated charities, the Marie Keating Foundation and Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services.
2011 is the ninth running of the event in Dublin which has grown rapidly in popularity since the first Run in 2003. Last year there were almost 11,000 participants and at least 12,000 runners are expected to compete this year. The Run is the largest mixed 10k race in Ireland and is preceded by the Junior Great Ireland Run for participants between the ages of 8 and 15. RTE Two television will broadcast the Run live in a special programme.
For more information or to register to take part, log onto www.greatirelandrun.org
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world governing body of athletics has conferred an IAAF Road Race Label on the Great Ireland Run, in recognition of the event's high standard of organisation, elite participation and media profile. This is the only Irish event which has been recognised in this way by the IAAF.
The 2011 Run will once again incorporate the Irish 10k road championships under the auspices of Athletics Ireland and will feature many of Ireland's top distance runners. To further incentivise elite Irish athletes and raise the standard of 10k running in the country, a cash prize fund is being put in place for the first ten Irish men and women.
A star-studded field of international and national distance runners will compete on the day, including many of Ireland's top male and female distance runners. Last year's male and female winners were Ireland's Martin Fagan and Great Britain's Freya Murray in 29:17 and 32:30 respectively.
Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event's nominated charities are Our Lady's Hospice and the Marie Keating Foundation.
The Jack & Jill Foundation is the nominated charity for the Junior Run.
For more information or to register to take part, log onto www.greatirelandrun.org
Almost 1,000 runners have already entered the Run. The majority of these are from the UK and their participation will be a significant boost to tourism in Dublin as they travel to the city for the weekend with family and friends.
Entrants are asked to identify their preferred county on the entry form and before the event will receive a customised number in their county colours. Every finisher will receive a special event T shirt, generous goody bag and chip timed results.
The 2011 Run will again feature a County Challenge competition for the Ronnie Delany Perpetual Trophy. Using the power of chip technology the county with the most finishers in a particular time frame are recorded and declared the winner. County Laois won the title in 2010.
David Hart, Communications Director of race organisers Nova International said: "As in previous years, the 2011 Run will mix some of the world's top middle distance athletes over the same course with joggers and fun runners. The event is a great day out for families and we expect that this year's event will attract even more runners, joggers and walkers from every county in Ireland and that all those who take part will enjoy the benefits of getting fit."
Prospective runners can enter online at www.greatirelandrun.org or by calling the Great Ireland Run Hotline on 1890 930 139.
