Wilkie's Classic fun run

RUNNERS and walkers will hit the beaten track for charity on Thursday, May 20. Foyle Valley AC's popular run/walk in memory of deceased colleague Colm Wilkinson is held annually.

The course for both run and walk will be the same as in previous years, "out the line", along the cycle path, beside the river Foyle.

The five mile run is an accurately measured, flat and fast course. It will appeal to both the serious runner and fun runner who would like to measure their progress over a fixed distance. The course records are still held by City of Derry's Gregory Roberts (25 minutes 30 seconds) for the male category. Belfast runner Cathy McCourt, daughter of legendary Belfast amateur boxer, Jim McCourt holds the record (30 minutes 4 seconds) for the female category.

Registration for the event opens at 6pm at the Long Tower Youth and Community Centre which is beside the Showgrounds football pitch. Both the walk and run will be set off at 7.30pm along traffic free routes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk from the youth centre to the start area along the cycle path.

The entry fee of 8 will include a tee-shirt for the first 100 to enter and a goody bag for all entrants supplied by Michael Clifford of Shantallow Stores. Prizes will be awarded for the categories in the run only.

All money raised will be distributed between three nominated charities, Foyle Hospice, Friends of Stradreagh Hospital and the Children's Ward of Altnagelvin Hospital.

Over the past few years the Wilkie's Run has helped raise several thousand pounds for a range of local charities including Foyle Hospice, Children In Crossfire and Action with Effect with usually over 60 runners and 30 walkers taking part.

Foyle Valley hopes that many newcomers will participate this year to maintain the great success of the event and to support these good causes.

Foyle Valley A C would like to thank all our sponsors of the event: Prime Decor, Oak Electrical, Celtic Bar, A. Mc Clean Bookmakers, Hugo Hegarty for their support.

Also a big thank-you to Brian McMenamin and his staff at the Long Tower Youth Centre especially Janis and her team who provide both the registration venue and the welcome refreshments for the competitors after the events.

Foyle Valley AC hope to see a good turnout on the night for this enjoyable and worthwhile event.

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