Men, women and children of all ages braved a rainy summer’s evening to take part in the inaugural Garryvoe Athletics Club ‘Along the Blue and Green’ 5K Road Race/Walk.

The charity event was held in aid of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Foundation, a charity focused on supporting specialist projects, equipment and research that will help make a difference to the everyday lives of patients of all ages.

Almost 200 participants showed up in force despite the wet conditions to show their support for the cause. 

Those walking the 5km route gathered at the start line at 6.30pm to begin the trek, while the runners began their race at 8pm. 

Offering words of encouragement ahead of the event were guests of honour, Paralympian Orla Barry, fresh from her silver medal victory at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, and activist and disability rights campaigner Joanne O’Riordan. 

Both women were delighted to be an important part of an event that raised vital funds for such an integral organisation.

Garryvoe Hotel were sponsors of the event and distributed refreshments to those taking part, as well as providing the prizes of a 12-month health club membership for first prize winners, a six-month membership for second prize winners and lunch for two for the male and female competitors that finished in 3rd place. 

Speaking after the event, Managing Director of the Garryvoe Hotel, Stephen Belton, said: “We were delighted to get behind this event and to support the amazing work of the NRH Foundation in any way we could. I would like to say a huge ‘well done’ to everyone that took part – the funds raised through your hard work will be a great help to this organisation.”