Hundreds sign up for Legend of the Lakes charity run in Craigavon - and there's room for more
The organisers of the Legend of the Lakes 5k and 10k runs in Craigavon on Sunday, August 9 have thanked everyone who has signed up so far and are encouraging others to join in what promises to be a great morning of community spirit.
The race is the second event in a year of fundraising in aid of the Air Ambulance NI and Evora Hospice by Track 2 Track, a group of friends from the oval racing community.
“We have three main fundraising events. At present we are sitting at approximately £30k raised to date, and we aren't finished yet!” explained Natalie Christie.
The first event was an ultra-marathon run undertaken by eight runners on Saturday, July 18.
At 4.30am that morning, Jordan McCann, John Christie, Callum Doak, Nicola McCrory, Dean McCrory, Ryan McCrory, Ian Riordan and Ethan Doull took the green flag at Tullyroan Oval, beginning the biggest challenge of their lives – the 72km run to Aghadowey Oval.
"They knew it would test them physically and mentally, and it certainly did. Through hydration stops, fuel breaks and the incredible encouragement of friends and family waiting along the route, the team never gave up. They proudly crossed the finish line at Aghadowey Oval 14 hours later, welcomed by an incredible crowd whose support created a truly emotional end to an extraordinary day,” said Natalie.
"The generosity shown in the lead-up to the event and throughout the weekend has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every donation, every message of support and every person who stood along the route has played a part in this achievement. The funds raised will be added to our ongoing fundraising efforts throughout the year and will make a meaningful difference to both charities.
"This weekend was about far more than completing 72 kilometres (actually 75 in the end). It was about teamwork, determination, community and making a difference for two charities that do incredible work every day.
"To top it off, our youngest runner Callum Doak, swapped his trainers for race boots, immediately after the run, to jump into his 2.0 litre Hot Rod and went on to win the British Championship the next day.”
The next event in the fundraising year is the Legend of the Lakes chip-timed 5k and 10k run around the Craigavon Lakes on Sunday, August 9.
"We have cash prizes for top finishers, and a bespoke medal and T-shirt for all finishers,” said Natalie.
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"At present we have 400 entrants and have capacity for more. Amy McGuckin from Q Radio will be our host and DJ for the morning and we secured several sponsors for post-race refreshments.
"We are hoping this will be a fun-filled morning for the community. This event has encouraged many non-runners to lace up their trainers and get training, and many entrants will be completing their very first 5k on the day.”
All entry fees will go directly to the two charities, thanks to many generous sponsors. The organisers are very grateful to Cherry Pipes and Cirrus Plastics, the headline sponsors.
For more details and to register for Legend of the Lakes go to Track2Track on Facebook. Donations can also be made on their gofundme page.
The team’s third event will be a night of entertainment and fundraising in the Seagoe Hotel on Saturday, November 21.