On your marks for the big St Brigid’s 5k run

EXCITEMENT is building in Blanchardstown and Castleknock, as preparations are in full swing for the third annual St Brigid's 5k Run.

Community spirit and inclusion are the bedrock of the club so this is an opportunity for locals and those in surrounding areas to participate in a great family event.

The annual club fundraiser will take place on Sunday September 15 starting and finishing in the club grounds at Russell Park, with a 10am start time. 

The event is suitable for walkers or runners of all abilities and is open to children as well. This year St Brigid's has introduced team races for groups of four who can compete in male, female, mixed or ‘faster family’ events.

The official score for each team will be the combined race times of the team members. 

There are lots of great prizes on offer for the overall and section winners.

St Brigid’s GAA club have the Jones Engineering Group on board as Main Sponsor again this year. Group Chief Executive Jim Curley highlighted how important it is to promote this type of event.

“The impact of a community coming together to engage in physical activity of any kind, helps to increase positive mental health and the wellbeing of all ages,” he said.

One of the key objectives of the event is to promote health and fitness for club members and the entire local community. 

A number of Couch to 5k programmes are running across the club in the lead up to the event, to support anyone taking up jogging or running for the first time.

The programmes begin in late August and last three weeks. Full details are available on the St Brigid’s GAA club website. 

A St Brigid’s GAA kids Run Challenge will also be taking place for the first time this year.

Many club players past and present, including some of the St Brigid’s Dublin Legends, have already signed up and are looking forward to participating. 

Refreshments for race participants will be available after the race, followed by the presentation of prizes, goodie bags and t-shirts.