Lord Mayor throws down fitness challenge

AS the running craze in Dublin continues, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Oisin Quinn, has thrown down a challenge to 200 people to join him in a new fitness regime for 2014.

The Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge 2014, which will include five races early next year, will whet the appetites of all those who want to get fit in the new year.

The five races they will take part in are:

l Liffey Valley Tom Brennan Memorial 5k, Phoenix Park, January 1, 2014 ($18 registration)

l AXA Raheny 5-Mile, Raheny, January 26, 2014 ($20 registration)

l Operation Transformation 5k, Phoenix Park, TBC (Free)

l Metro St Brigid’s KBI St Patrick’s 5k, Dawson Street, March 16, 2014 ($20)

l Dublin City Council 2 mile/4 mile, St Anne’s Park, April 5 (Free).

At the launch, the Lord Mayor said road races were growing in popularity and were a great way to start a new fitness regime.

“I encourage young and old to take up the challenge of taking part in five of Dublin’s best road races early next year,

? he said.

“I am particularly encouraging those who may not have done any 5k races before to take up the challenge.

“You can walk, jog or run and watch your fitness levels improve through the races. I look forward to seeing the 200 5 Alive Challengers on New Year’s Day to kick start all our New Year’s resolutions!

?

Mayor Quinn thanked all the athletics clubs, the Irish Sport Council and RTÃ? for their assistance with the Race Series.

One of the contenders in the inaugural 5 Alive Challenge, John Nevin, said:

“I took part in the Lord Mayor’s Challenge this year as a reason to get out of the house and regain some fitness after a bout of ill health.

“The races were reasonably short, well spaced in time over the early part of 2013 and incredible fun to participate in.

“I would say to anyone who takes up the challenge that they will not be disappointed with the outcome.

?

All members of the Lord Mayor’s team will receive a high quality dry fit t-shirt prior to commencement of the first race and a medallion and invitation to a reception in the Mansion House on completion of all five races.

Clontarf ward councillor Naoise � Muirí (FG) said he was pleased that a fitness initiative he started during his tenure as Lord Mayor of Dublin is to be continued in 2014.

“This challenge is aimed at those who have not done any 5K races before, or those who need a push to get going again,

? stated Cllr Ã? Muirí.

“I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the races during my year as Lord Mayor, and it gave me the impetus to continue running on my own.

“New Year’s Day is the ideal day to shake off the Christmas cobwebs and start the new year with a bang – so we’re hoping to get as many people as possible out in the Phoenix Park that day.

?

To register for the 2014 Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge log onto www.dublinsport.ie/5alive. Registration is now open.