The Midland Running League reaches its climax this Wednesday evening (May 30^th) when the final five kilometre event takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, at 7.30pm followed by refreshments and the presentation of prizes in the Visitor Centre. This final event promises to be a most enjoyable one and the Organising Committee are looking forward to welcoming back all the participants in the League while also encouraging as many new people as possible to take part in an event which places the emphasis on the fun and social aspects of participating in sport. Entries will be taken in from 6.30pm onwards with each new entrant receiving a souvenir t-shirt.

The League is a great fun and social way to keep fit. One of the main aims of the event is to encourage women’s participation in sport and it is ideal preparation for the women’s mini-marathon on Bank Holiday Monday next. Walkers are especially 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 also encouraged to take part. The overall male and female winners will receive the Pat Finnerty Perpetual Trophy to commemorate Pat Finnerty (R.I.P.) past Chairperson of Mullingar Harriers, while overall prizes will be awarded for participants who have taken part in three out of the five events. There will also be spot prizes to acknowledge participation in the League especially under the Women in Sport Initiative.

 

Organised by Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club and Westmeath Sports Partnership, the 2007 Midland Running League has been an unprecedented success with a staggering 275 registered participants so far making it one of the most successful participation in sport initiatives organised at local level. The Organising Committee are thrilled with the response the people of Westmeath and the greater Midlands area have given to the event throughout the month of May and anticipate another large entry for the final event. Already excellent feedback has been received on the event which this year moved to Belvedere from its previous base at Ladestown. Participants have welcomed the new traffic free course on the undulating trails in Belvedere and are delighted that a keep fit initiative encouraging participation in sport has again been organised in Westmeath.

 

Last Wednesday May 23^rd the penultimate event in the League took place. Weather conditions were ideal setting the scene for a most enjoyable evening. Thanks to all the participants who yet again came out in huge numbers to support the event. The overall number of participants in the League has grown week on week and it was great to see so many runners, joggers and walkers again taking part. Noel Kelly from the host club Mullingar Harriers was first in the Senior Men’s category recording his third win in the League while Mary Hanley from Na Fianna Athletic Club was first Senior Woman. Going into the final event it’s looking very close in the overall standings in all categories but in this event everyone who takes part is a winner. The focus is on participation rather that competition and on catering for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities by providing a fun and enjoyable way to participate in sport.

Mullingar Harriers and Westmeath Sports Partnership wish to thank all who 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 League could not take place. Thanks to all the stewards who did a superb job on marshalling the course, taking entries, recording and processing results and to anyone who supported the event in any way. 

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 Westmeath Sports Partnership supports the Midland Running League as a participation in sport initiative under the Westmeath Sports Strategy. For further information please contact Sonja Statham, Westmeath Sports Partnership Tel: 044-9390208 / Pat Muldoon, Mullingar Harriers Tel: 087 6982547. Alternatively visit www.westmeathsports.ie or www.mullingarharriers.com Full results are available on either of the above websites.