Larne businesses urged to enter ‘virtual’ Runway Run fundraiser

Businesses in the Larne area are being encouraged to register for the Grant Thornton digital 5K challenge race series (GT5K) next month with races set to take place virtually around the island of Ireland for the first time.
Businesses in Larne, Carrick and Newtownabbey are being urged to register for the 'virtual' Grant Thonrton Runwway Run. Pictured is Grant Thornton 5K Ambassador Greg O'Shea at the launch.. 
Photo by Sam Barnes/SportsfileBusinesses in Larne, Carrick and Newtownabbey are being urged to register for the 'virtual' Grant Thonrton Runwway Run. Pictured is Grant Thornton 5K Ambassador Greg O'Shea at the launch.. 
Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Businesses in Larne, Carrick and Newtownabbey are being urged to register for the 'virtual' Grant Thonrton Runwway Run. Pictured is Grant Thornton 5K Ambassador Greg O'Shea at the launch.. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The GT5K race series, which is one of the country’s largest and longest running corporate events of its type, has seen 44,700 runners take part over the last eight years across Belfast, Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

This year, the races are going virtual to continue to raise charitable funds in a time of need.

The race series encourages social running amongst Ireland’s business community and welcomes all abilities, from beginners to experienced runners.

New features being introduced this year include the use of a live leaderboard and a new online registration system.

Also this year, professional services firm Grant Thornton is opening the competition to corporate teams, individuals, families, sports clubs and anybody else who would like to enter a team.

Runners will be able to register online, complete their run over the weekend of August 14-16, and upload their best time to a live leaderboard by midnight on Sunday, August 16.

Earlier this year, The Alzheimer’s Society was announced as the GT5K Charity Partner for 2020 and runners are encouraged to #DoItForDementia as many charities are struggling to raise funds as a result of COVID-19.

Commenting on the GT5K virtual launch, Richard Gillan, Managing Partner in Northern Ireland, said: “For the past five years our Runway Run has proven extremely popular amongst businesses from every sector across Northern Ireland, and although COVID-19 has impacted us all, we did not want to lose this momentum.

“Key to our decision was ensuring our charities did not lose out on much-needed funds this year and going virtual means this year’s run is open to all, regardless of location.

“We look forward to seeing how everyone performs in August and will hopefully see you back at Belfast City Airport in 2021.”

To enter the race, register at www.grantthorntonni.com/GT5K.

This year the registration fee £9 will be split between Alzheimer’s Society and Athletics Northern Ireland’s Junior high-performance programme.

All participants will receive a virtual goodie bag with the option to purchase a GT5K run technical jersey.

Record your best 5K time and submit by midnight on August 16 to make the leaderboard.

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