Getting on track for Railway Run

RUNNERS are being called upon to take part in this year’s annual Great Railway Run from Cork city to Carrigaline which will be held on Sunday the 22nd of April. 

This is a charity running event organised by the Carrigaline and District Lions Club to raise much needed funds for the Carrigaline Lions Youth Centre.

This year there will be a choice of two distances; a 25 km race starting at 9.30am from Cork city to Carrigaline and a 10km race from Monkstown to Carrigaline starting at 11am. 

The run will roughly follow the route of the old Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway line which ran from 1850 until 1932. The predominantly flat route passes through Blackrock, Mahon, Rochestown, Passage, Monkstown, Raffeen and Shanbally before finishing in Carrigaline. 

The 25km is an ideal event to test runners pace and fitness before the Cork City Marathon and the first prize in the male and female category is €300. 

Speaking at the launch Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD said: ‘Running has become hugely popular and I’d encourage everyone with an interest to come along and get involved in this worthy event which supports a very important local project here in Carrigaline.’

The main sponsor of the race is Phelans Pharmacy and Conor Phelan added: ‘As a local business celebrating our 30th year in Carrigaline this year, we’re delighted sponsor the Great Railway Run. It is a great community health initiative and supports a worthy local charity.’

With the race growing in popularity every year, participants are encouraged to take note that online registration is now open but is limited to 1000 runners for each distance. 

All participants must pre-register either online or by post before midnight on Friday 20th April. The Joe West perpetual trophy will be awarded to the fastest male and female in the 25km race. More detailed information is available on the website; www.thegreatrailwayrun.com and on Facebook; @TheGreatRailwayRun.