The weather took a significant turn for the better just in time for the Ability 10km Fun Run on Sunday 13th September, which really added to the festivities at the finish area in Belvedere, with face painting and a popular clown to amuse the children and a quick soak in the lake followed by refreshments in the Coffee Shop for the participants. It’s not too often of late that athletes can stand around in the air cooling off after a race and enjoying the best that Belvedere has to offer.

A total of 120 took part, which is a good number for an inaugural event and as word spreads of what a good event it was, numbers will grow. Organised by International Service Ireland, the aim of the event was to help support people with disabilities in West Africa and South America.

While the focus might have been on the fun run element of the event, up front there’s always a race and first man home was Paddy Kelly, first woman was Mary Scully and each received a fabulous arts and crafts prize made by women with disabilities in Africa.