THE annual Farranfore-Maine Valley AC St Stephen’s Day 5k Run and 2k Walk takes place at 12.15pm with Kerry Airport back as one of the main sponsors.

One of the oldest road races in Ireland, it takes place every St. Stephen’s day and has been run since 1961 along the same route.

It starts in Farranfore at the Kerry Mill on the R561 Farranfore-Firies road running almost to Killahane (Chapel) Cross in Firies and returning via the same route. The road is closed to traffic so participants can enjoy the day without having traffic concerns.

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This is one of the main sources of funding for the club which is always a popular event with both elite Olympic athletes and fun-runners alike with numbers well in excess of 300 each year.

The winner of the first ever St Stephen’s Day Race, Scartaglin native Tom McCarthy, will be present again to watch his grandson Conor compete in what has always been a fun family day out.

The CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said: “We are proud to support this event once again which has been a major part of the Christmas tradition in our community and the surrounding area for decades. We hope everyone enjoys this year’s instalment.”

Life-long member and coach with Farranfore Maine Valley AC, Jerome Crowley, said: “There is also a free 2K fun run/walk starting at 11.00. This is a fantastic opportunity to run-off the excesses of Christmas. The race is one of our major sources of funding for the club which is why the support from Kerry Airport is so important to us. Kerry Airport is rooted in the community and so are we and we are grateful to them for their sponsorship.”

The 5K Timed Race is open to all those aged 13 years and over on race day. (Race permit rules). The St Stephen’s Day 5K Road Race will begin at 12.15pm. Younger runners can take part in the 2K fun run which starts at 11.00 am.

Registration for the event is now open with access via the club’s website and Facebook page. The entry fee is €17.50 which includes all fees. Race numbers can be collected from 10.30am on the day at the GAA Hall in Farranfore Village.