FITNESS centres and gyms all over the country are buzzing, parks and roads are full of runners and walkers, and programmes like ‘Operation Transformation’ have us glued to our TV screens.
For those who started out with a new year’s resolution to get fit, now you have the perfect opportunity to measure your progress thus far.
The 2019 AXA Raheny 5, which takes place this Sunday, January 27 at 3pm, was launched by National Marathon Champion and Olympian Mick Clohisey.
“The AXA Raheny 5 is the highlight of road racing at home,” said lifelong Raheny Shamrock athlete Clohisey and first Irish man home at the Dublin marathon in 2018. Clohisey last won the Raheny 5 in 2016.
“Winning the race again is my aim for January,” he told Northside People. “The course and the fabulous large crowd make it the most attractive race in Ireland to compete in.”
The event, promoted by Raheny Shamrock Athletic Club, is now established as the leading road race in Ireland since being founded in 1985.
Clohisey is aiming to lead the host club to victory in their final outing before competing at the European Club Cross Country Championships in Albefuria, Portugal, on February 3.
“This year is a special one as we have the European Club championships to focus on and the AXA Raheny 5 is our last race before heading to Portugal,” he added.
The full All-Ireland cross country winning team is expected to compete on January 27. The first 10 men and women runners receive prizes along with the top three masters in all age categories including juniors. There is also a host of team prizes.
While the race features Irish top distance athletes, the AXA Raheny 5 caters for runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities who won’t go home empty handed. Every finisher is guaranteed the famous Raheny 5 plaque plus a goody bag.
There are special prize categories for walkers, who begin at 2.40pm while the wheelchair race begins at 2.58pm. Participants can enter the race online at www.rahenyshamrock.ie
Race day caters for the entire community with four kids’ races taking place before the main event: separate 400 metre races for boys and girls between five and seven-years-of-age; a mixed 800-metre race for those between eight and 12; and a mile race for 13 to 16-year-olds.
There will be prizes for the first three boys and girls past the post in each race plus a medal and a goody bag for each finisher. Entries for these races will be taken on the day of the race. These events begin at 2pm.
Once again this year’s nominated charity is St Francis Hospice in Raheny. Over the years thousands of euro have been raised for this very worthy charity.
For further information contact Pat Hooper at 086-8158052 or Christy Reilly at 086-8543344 or email info@rahenyshamrock.ie
