Steam Engine fun run launched in Rosscarbery

NOW in its seventh year, the annual Rosscarbery Steam Engine 5km Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October 7th next, at 5pm. 

This race has been growing in popularity every year and, in 2016, was voted the second-best 5K in Cork. This year, the organisers are hoping to make it the best in Cork.

Every year a different local charity is chosen and this year, all proceeds from the race are going to two very worthwhile causes viz Lisheens House (suicide prevention) and Owenahicha Bay Water Safety Association. 

Lisheens House is a community-based suicide prevention and mental health awareness charity that offers free counselling, education and training to aid recovery and promote positive mental health. Based in Bantry and recently having opened a training and support centre in Skibbereen, Lisheens House is committed to reducing the number of suicides in Ireland. Its helpline is 023-8888888.

Owenahincha Bay Water Safety Association was formed following a tragedy that occurred on Owenahincha beach in September 2006. Two brave young men were lost to the sea when they went to the aid of others who survived because of their heroism. 

The aims and objectives of the association are to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by accidents or natural hazards, by the provision and maintenance of a trained rescue association to operate throughout the greater Owenahincha Bay and Rosscarbery area. 

Every year, the 5km race has been sponsored by local businesses and, as a result, every euro raised in registration fees goes direct to the charity. The organisers thanked all their sponsors, in particular O’Reilly’s Centra, Rosscarbery, who provide the water and fruit every year; Gavin Fox, Dare2B, for prizes and Jeremy Murphy Auctioneers, who cover printing and insurance costs.

Registration costs just €10 for adults and €5 for children aged between 12 and 16 years. For safety reasons, under 12s have to be accompanied by an adult. 

Runners, walkers and families alike are all welcome and there will be music in the square for the duration. This event has something for everyone – good fun family atmosphere, a good fast 5k for the competitive runners with Alan O’Shea from Bantry AC holding the male course record and Ronnie Barry from Bandon AC holding the female record. Refreshments will be available in the Social Centre afterwards where the ‘nicest cup of tea’ can be had, along with plenty home-baking. 

Registration is on the day from 3.30pm at the Social Services Centre directly behind the Centra Shop at the corner of Rosscarbery Square. The event will start at 5pm from the main square in the centre of the town. The run is organised in co-operation with Rosscarbery Steam Runners AC and Rosscarbery Community Council. 

For updates and more information, find Rosscarbery-Steam-Engine-5km-Fun-Run on Facebook.