Over 250 participants in the Midland Running League at Belvedere
The
2007 Midland Running League organised by Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club and Westmeath Sports Partnership is proving to be
been a tremendous success. There was another superb turnout of 145 runners and walkers including a steady flow of new entrants
for the third event on Wednesday last (16th May) at Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Mullingar. Thanks to all the participants
who came out to in such huge numbers to support the event, braving the wet and wintry weather conditions to take part. Noel
Kelly of Mullingar Harriers was first over the line to take his second win in the League while Pauline Curley of Tullamore
Harriers was again the fastest woman recording her third win, and both are now in good positions in the overall standings.
There
has been a fantastic response from the people of Westmeath and the wider midlands region to this event making it one of the
most successful participation in sport initiatives organised at local level. Over
250 registered participants including runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities have taken part so far and with
just two events remaining the Organising Committee are appealing to the people of Westmeath and the Midlands to continue to
support the event. The League is held on a scenic traffic free course on the trails in Belvedere is a great fun and social
way to keep fit. One of the aims of the event is to encourage women’s participation in sport and it is ideal preparation
for the women’s mini-marathon in a few weeks time. Walkers are very welcome and it is very encouraging to see the large
numbers of them participating. Indeed the League is a fun way for the entire family to participate in sport with children
aged 12 and over encouraged to take part.
The penultimate
event in this year’s League takes place at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park this evening (Wednesday May 23rd
– 7.30pm start). The organisers look forward to welcoming back all existing participants and with just two events remaining
are encouraging as many new entrants as possible to take up the challenge and participate. So why not give the event a try,
you will not be disappointed! Registration is at the Visitor Centre in Belvedere from 6.30pm onwards. Runners and walkers
already registered should go directly to the start area in the overflow car park. The entry fee is €15 for the series,
which covers the remaining events and includes a souvenir t-shirt for each participant, or €5 per event. There will
be refreshments and presentation of prizes following the final event on May 30th.
Excellent
feedback has already been received on the event. Local participants are delighted that a keep fit initiative encouraging participation
in sport has been organised in Westmeath while a large number of athletes from throughout the midlands region have commented
on the fantastic facility at Belvedere and the unique traffic free course through the Belvedere estate. The event has also
received substantial coverage in the local and national media and looks sure to attract further interest over the coming weeks.
The
Midland Running League is a joint initiative between Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club and Westmeath Sports Partnership, supported
by the Irish Sports Council under the Women in Sport Programme. The Organising Committee wish to thank all who have contributed
to the success of the event so far, especially the Management & Staff of Belvedere House, Park & Gardens, Westmeath
County Council and Westmeath Civil Defence without whose support and assistance the event could not take place. Thanks also
to all the stewards who did a superb job on marshalling the course, taking entries, recording and processing results. For
further information on the League contact Sonja Statham, Westmeath Sports Partnership Tel: 044-9390208 or Pat Muldoon, Mullingar
Harriers Tel: 087 6982547.
