Sports
Less than 3 weeks to go!
By MSP
14, Apr 2014 - 08:38

Less than 3 weeks to go! Olympians supporting the Wests Premier Event for Women

Castlebar is getting all geared up to welcome women from all over Ireland and beyond to the Mayo capital for the 5th Western People West of Ireland Women's Mini-Marathon. The event is expected to attract large numbers of participants, supporters, family, friends etc. While unable to attend this years mini marathon due to personal reasons the organisers are delighted that Sonia O Sullivan is continuing to lend her support to the largest event for women in the West of Ireland. Indeed co Olympian and World Silver medalist in race walking Olive Loughnane along with one or two other sporting personalities and Minister of State for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring will be present on the day to support all participants and to encourage the many children who will be taking part in the inaugural Primary Schools Mini Mini Run.

The 10-kilometre run / walk and the 1.5km Mini Mini event is being co-organised by the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership. Main sponsor is Connaught Gold with other partners including Castlebar Town Council, Mayo County Council, Castlebar, the Mayo Athletics Community , local clubs / organisations and members of the local business community.

While the presence of elite runners is sure to provide the race with a strong competitive element, central to the Women's Mini-Marathon will be the opportunity for all West of Ireland charities to raise much needed funds for their respective organisations.

Speaking about the upcoming event Western People Editor James Laffey said: " We in the Western People are delighted that this event seems to have captured the imagination of women all ages and abilities throughout the region. This year we are particularly happy to be adding a fun event for children with the mini mini run and with the co-operation of our co-organisers Mayo Sports Partnership it promises to be a day to remember".

"The event also presents a wonderful opportunity for local charities to raise vital funds" he added.

Now firmly established as the premier event of its kind in the west the arrival of so many runners, walkers and their families /supporters to Castlebar is sure to boost the local economy.

"Its fantastic to see the many groups, individuals and children all over the region preparing for these events. Since commencing in 2010 the Mini Marathon has encouraged many women to progress on to long term participation and involvement in other events. Now we are hoping to encourage children, through the Mini Mini Fun event to buy in to this ethos of active participation in sport / physical activity " said Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert.

With the mini-marathon a little over three weeks away the excitement is building. To capture the festival atmosphere the Mall, will incorporate a stage with music, food court area, childrens activity zone etc. The Mini Marathon will commence at 12 Noon followed by the Childrens Run at 12.05pm from the Courthouse with the Mall open to the public from 10.30am - 4pm.

The organisers would like to ask participants and members of the public to be environmentally friendly and utilise recyclable waste bins on the Mall as well as the race route itself.

Finally with an event of this nature some temporary road closures will be in operation on Sunday 4th May and again the organisers would kindly ask the public to acknowledge these restrictions for the health and safety of all. These are listed below

9.30am Mall Closure- until 4pm
Ellison Street Closure 11.30am - 3pm
Lower Spencer St Closure 10.30am - 12.30am
Duke St 12 Noon - 1pm
Newport Rd to Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
Gallows Hill 12 Noon - 1pm
Newline 12 Noon - 1pm
Pontoon Rd to Ballinacarriga 12 Noon - 2pm
Ballinacarriga to Ballynew 12 Noon - 2pm
Ballynew / Turlough Rd 12 Noon - 2.30pm
Staball Hill / Thomas St 12.15 - 2.30pm
Bridge St 12.15 - 2.30pm
Main Street 12.15- 2.30pm

If residents, businesses etc along the route would like to decorate their houses / premises for the event the Sports Partnership can assist by supplying some bunting, balloons etc. For more information contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025.