Plans are well underway for the Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge 2016 which is happening in Roscommon Town and surrounds on Friday and Saturday next March 4th & 5th. It is that time of year again where organisers try to raise funds for charity, encourage participation and bring business into town. Next weekend Roscommon looks forward to welcoming runner’s walkers and cyclists from near and far and of all abilities to the start lines. Each person will enjoy a fantastic challenging experience whilst remembering a wonderful young Roscommon man Ronan Mc Cormack along with helping our charities with much needed funding. Ronan was sadly taken from this world in a car accident in May 2010. He was just 26 years of age. This charity challenge is to remember Ronan and to remind people of the love and laughter, amusement and devilment that he brought to this world for the short time he was here. Over the last 3 years 1000+ participants have taken part and raised 81,000 Euro for charity. This year our chosen charities are Pieta House West, Roscommon Mayo Hospice, Crannog Child Respite Services Galway and Roscommon Special Olympics.
The interest in this year’s event is amazing and the numbers participating will hugely exceed numbers from the previous 3 years. We have large groups out training during the week and at weekends. Training builds friendships and interest in a common goal. Registrations are flying in daily with great interest from within and outside of the county. Participation, involvement, generosity and fun are some of the traits that this challenge brings out in participants and sponsors.
The event centre this year will be Roscommon Leisure Zone, Lanesboro Road Roscommon. Organisers would like to say a huge thank you to Michael and Aisling O Connor for the use of their premises and their very welcoming approach.
The event will be kicked off at 8pm on Friday night with members of Roscommon Special Olympics club starting proceedings. This will be followed by a 5 and 10k digitally timed Moonlight run and walk around Roscommon Town. We are encouraging residents and business owners along the route to come out and support and encourage the participants.
On Saturday the 5th there will be a cycle with a choice of 60, 80 and 120 km. After the trials of both challenges a social night will be held in Foxes Goff Street Roscommon on Saturday 5th where our annual darts competition will be held with valuable prizes on offer on the night. Places are filling up fast so it would be advisable to register soon to guarantee your place. Darts will be doubles and mixed this year which will add to the fun and interest in the competition. If you are interested in taking part in any of these events you can do so through our Facebook page or by texting 0861721181. Businesses that may be interested in becoming involved with the event should email ronanschallenge@eircom.net or 0861721181.
It is expected that this weekend will be very well supported and bring athletes/families/tourists into town. As in previous years the spin off if supported correctly will hugely benefit the local business community. Your support is more than appreciated. For both The Moonlight Run/Walk and Ronan’s Challenge Cycle. There will be a register and collect evening on Thursday night March 3rd at Roscommon Leisure Zone Lanesboro Road Roscommon between 7.30pm and 9.15.pm. If you have registered in advance you can call and collect your race number and souvenir technical T Shirt (runners) and a beautiful specially commissioned multifunctional cycling buff for our cyclists. If you have not registered yet you can do all then. Registration will also open at 4pm on Friday evening 4th March and will close sharply at 7pm. Moonlight Run/Walk will start and finish from Roscommon Leisure Zone, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon.
Athletes from Roscommon Special Olympics will lead off the event at 8pm followed at 8.15pm SHARP by the rest of the field. There will be a fun group warm up at 7.45pm (optional)
On Saturday morning it’s the turn of the cyclists who have a choice of 3 routes with distances of 60, 80 and 120 km.Registration will close sharply at 8.30am with the cycle commencing at 8.45am sharp. All cycle participants must attend a short pre cycle briefing session in the event Centre at 8.30am.Cycle will start and finish from Roscommon Leisure Zone, Lanesboro Road, and Roscommon.
Sponsorship cards are also available and any donation however small can make a big difference. We would like to say a huge thank you to Noel and his staff at Roscommon Sports Partnership for their invaluable help with the organisation of this challenge and their assistance at training. We would also like to acknowledge the help we receive from the cycling clubs within the county and in particular to the Donamon Dynamos club who as always have been hugely supportive.