On the evening of Monday 18 May, Glanmire Macra held its second annual 5k fun run/walk. The event kicked off at 7pm at Sars Hurling Pavillion, where participants were faced with a challenging but scenic 5k route and, luckily, the sun came out just in time for the starting shotgun.

Over 200 people registered for the hugely successful event, which was organised in aid of Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland. Six brave Glanmire Macra members will undertake a skydive in aid of this organisation later this year.

The first man to cross the finish line was James Slowey Jnr in an impressive time of 17 minutes 25 seconds, while the first lady home was Rachel O’Callaghan from Togher AC in 20 minutes 15 seconds. After all competitors had crossed the finish line, they were invited into the Sars Pavilion for a cup of tea and biscuits. The event raised over €1,400 for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.

Thank you to everyone who turned out to support the event and a special mention to the following sponsors: Ryan’s Supervalu (who sponsored water and fruit for the athletes), Educogym (who sponsored a raffle prize won by Aimee O’Riordan, Glounthaune), Ballymaloe House (who donated a hamper as a raffle prize won by Jonathan Quinn, Kinsale and also cash prizes for the winning man and woman), the Order of Malta (who provided first aid cover), Sars Hurling Pavilion (for the kind use of their facilities) and The Elm Tree, Glounthaune (who provided free advertisements for the event).

Another word of thanks to Lehane Environmental and Glanmire Credit Union who have both generously donated towards the skydive. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the event, including those from Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland, other Macra clubs, athletic clubs in the area, as well as the members of the public who turned out to make the event such a success. If you would like to donate to the cause, please contact any Glanmire Macra club member on glanmiremacra@gmail.com or phone club chair Donal O’Callaghan on 087-683 4403.