Liberties fun run set to pound the pavements

OVER 1,000 runners are expected to pound the pavements at this year’s Liberties Fun Run that has been launched again in aid of the Target Lung Cancer campaign at St James’s Hospital.

Proceeds from the annual 6km run, that is now in its seventh year, will be used to support world leading clinical research into lung cancer at the Southside hospital.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ireland and causes more deaths globally than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.

Former long distance runner and World Cross Country Champion, Catherina McKiernan, officially launched the St James’s Hospital Foundation Liberties Fun Run alongside former winner Dr Orla Drumm.

It starts and ends in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham and is one of the few road races permitted by Dublin City Council.

Last year 1,200 participants pounded the cobblestones of Dublin’s Liberties taking in James’s Street, St James’s Gate, St Catherine’s Church, Thomas Street, the National College of Art and Design, Francis Street, The Coombe and the Guinness Storehouse.

This year runners, joggers and walkers will follow the same historic route on July 16 from 7.45pm.

The Target Lung Cancer campaign is supporting world-leading clinical research into lung cancer, and in particular is pursuing better diagnostic solutions that can lead to personalised cancer treatments for patients.

Speaking at the launch, Catherina McKiernan said:

“Run the Liberties is a really unique fun run in the heart of Dublin city and coupling it with what St James’s are trying to raise funds for is very fitting.

“At the end of the day, your health is your wealth and I find it both scary and sad that lung cancer has become so prevalent in Ireland.

“I think it’s really important for people of all ages to keep healthy and active and to have fun doing it.

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