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Launching the ‘Kerry Goes Pink For Livie Virtual Run/Walk’ run were, in front, Mary Gardiner, Andrea O’Donoghue and Michelle Greaney. At back; Ollie O’Sullivan with Liam, John and Stephen Griffin. Photo: Dermot Crean
WITH many running events postponed for the moment, here’s something to look forward to and train for over the coming fortnight.
The ‘Kerry Goes Pink For Livie Virtual Run/Walk’ will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend with all funds raised going towards the plight of a little lady, Olivia ‘Livie’ Mulhern, from Donegal.
Livie was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular life-limiting condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. There is no cure and she has it’s most severe type. Gene therapy treatment to improve her quality of life is only available in the U.S and her parents are raising money to get her there.
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Local Garda, Mary Gardiner, is doing a lot of fundraising for ‘A Better Life For Livie’ and asked Michelle Greaney of MG Coaching to organise a run starting officially at 9.30am on Saturday, August 1.
“This is a family event also so it’s a great way to keep everyone active together,” said Michelle. “The beauty of this vitual run is it scheduled at a time that is convenient for you over the August bank holiday weekend. Covid 19 will not keep us standing still and I am welcoming walkers, and runners (beginners to advanced) to take part.”
As a change from the traditional medal for all finishers, Michelle has fridge magnets made up to celebrate taking part. Restrictions will have eased so people can gather (socially distanced) in their own little groups to turn this into their own mini event to walk or run together.
For the competitive runners taking part, there are trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Female and Male in the 5k, 10k and Half Marathon distance.
“I am encouraging children and adults to make exercise a part of their daily routine to improve physical health, boost mental health, help maintain a healthy weight and manage stress. Exercise sustains us in so many ways through challenging times and this is an opportunity for you to keep active and exercising in line with current social distancing guidelines and make a donation to this charity.”
“Most, if not all, endurance-race related events have been postponed or cancelled — we collectively find ourselves seeking new meaningful opportunities in our running pursuits. This virtual race is helping to fill that void. We can still strive together, though in smaller groups.
“Athletes can also use this as a time trial to replace an actual race if they are looking for a hard race type stimulus and something to break up their training and stay motivated. If this is the case, I am advising making sure it’s on flat terrain and no net downhill! Athletes don’t want to lose any fitness that they have worked so hard to build. A big thank you to Lee Strand Milk for sponsoring the trophies for this event.”
“If you think you are in for a placing, you need to message me proof of your result on a garmin link with exact distance and time. Screenshot your run/selfie and put it up on on your story. Tag @abetterlifeforlivie/@kerrygoespinkforlivie and Donate what you can to the Kerry Goes Pink For Livie GoFundMe page,” added Michelle.
You can check out the event on facebook by clicking here https://facebook.com/events/s/kerry-goes-pink-for-livie-virt/308902880125577/?ti=as while the go fund me page is here https://gf.me/u/x7tpgn
