Breast Cancer Ireland is calling on people from all over the country to support this year’s Great Pink Run.
The fundraising event, which raised almost €1m last year for the charity, will take place in local communities over the weekend of October 16 and 17.
“The aim of the event is to turn the globe pink, with participants being encouraged to run, walk, jog (or even scoot!) the circumference of the globe (40,700km) over the course of the event weekend, and to log their distance, supporting Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes nationally,” the charity says.
The now global event which saw participants from over 10 countries participate last year, is an entirely inclusive initiative, aimed at people of all abilities.
Casual strollers, keen walkers, joggers and seasoned runners are all encouraged to take part and it’s open to families, groups and solo participants.
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, is urging people to register early to ensure that participation packs and t-shirts arrive in plenty of time for the event.
Speaking at the launch today, Aisling commented: “In this, the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Breast Cancer Ireland as a charity, we’re excited to see the Great Pink Run go from strength to strength, growing into a truly global event.
“We welcome participants from all parts of the globe, men, women and children – irrespective of age or fitness levels.
“Unfortunately every 29 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Diversity and inclusion are core themes of our Great Pink Run campaign this year, as sadly, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, affecting women (and indeed men) of all ages, and ethnicities.
“For instance, 1 in 1000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and 30% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland are between 20-50 years of age.
Registrations for the event are open on www.greatpinkrun.ie