18 March 2015
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
The Great Island Run is a 10 Mile Road Race takes place on Sunday 12th April at 10.30 am in Cobh to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society. For the first time this year there will also be a 4 mile race and a charity walk for those not yet ready to take on the 10 mile challenge! Registration is now open and the organising committee are calling on people to help make a difference in the fight against cancer by either entering the 10 mile route or running/walking the 4mile route.
Three times voted one of the best 10 mile road race in Munster by readers of the Running Blog in Cork, the race is ideal for those in training for the Cork City Marathon and with the 4 mile option anyone can take part. There are prizes for the first four men and women as well as for the master categories and all participants receive a chip for timing in both races.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Cork Sporting hero Rob Heffernan said ‘It’s fantastic to see a local running event go from strength to strength with runners from all over Ireland descending on the seaside town of Cobh for the 6th time this year, in what has become a major event on the running calendar in Cork, a great course, great challenge and all for a great cause’
Last year the race raised €20,000 and to date has raised over €130,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. The money raised has gone directly to fund services such as night nursing. In Cork alone 646 nights of care were provided to families by Irish Cancer Society nurses. Every night of the year a night nurse was with a family in their own home in Cork during the last days of their loved ones life offering support, care and advice.
With over 1,000 participants last year the race continues to go from strength to strength and race organisers are encouraging people to register early to book their place. Last year the race was honoured to have its local hero, Sonia O’Sullivan participate in the 10 mile race and present the prizes to the winners. Sonia will be back to participate in this year’s event on April 12th.
Race organiser Eamonn Crotty is proud to be supporting the Irish Cancer Society “This race was born out of the loss of my father–in-law Tommy McCrossan and sister–in-law Paula McCrossan Rasmussen to cancer and now with the recent passing of my mother-in-law Rose McCrossan just before Christmas it is more urgent than ever to fight back against cancer, which has touched every family in Ireland. The race itself is a very tough but extremely enjoyable one with a beautifully scenic route, it offers everything a race should, hills for strength, long straights for speed and a wonderful Cobh welcome for those who are up to the challenge. Enduring the hills of the Great Island of Cobh is nothing compared to the pain any person with cancer has to endure but it is a fitting tribute you can make to those you care about.”
Those wishing to take part in the Great Island Run can register online, the cost is €20 for the 10 mile or €10 for the 4 mile, any one doing the charity walk can donate on the day or get a sponsorship card all information available on www.greatisland10.com
