People of Cork invited to run the Goal Mile

PEOPLE across Cork have been invited to register for their local Goal Mile, a Christmas fundraising tradition which has raised €8.5m since it started in 1977.

The Goal Mile will see more than 25,000 people running or walking a mile, in 150 locations in villages, towns, and cities across Ireland this Christmas to raise funds for some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

This year in there will be five Goal Miles taking place across Cork over the festive period.

On Christmas Day they will take place at Doneraile Park from 10am and at the Munster Technological University Athletics Track and the St Catherine’s GAA Club in Ballynoe, from 10.30am.

Goal Miles will also take place at 11am on St Stephen’s Day in Glounthaune and at 10.15am on December 27 at Glanmire Community College.

RTÉ Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin, said: “The Goal Mile is a beloved Christmas tradition for thousands of families across Ireland, including my own.

“Last year, Goal reached 14.6m people with their humanitarian programmes which centre on providing healthcare, nutrition, livelihood support, and safe water and sanitation facilities to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.

“So, I hope lots of other families will go the extra mile this Christmas and sign up for their local Goal Mile in aid of Goal’s lifesaving work around the world.”

Goal’s director of fundraising and communications Eamon Sharkey added: “During 2023, we have witnessed a deadly mix of crises because of conflict and natural disasters across the world and Goal has responded to all these crises, helping communities affected move from crisis to resilience.

“We are now asking people across Ireland to register for their local Goal Mile and make whatever contribution they can so that we can continue this lifesaving work,” Mr Sharkey said.

To register and take part in a Goal Mile near you this Christmas, visit goalmile.org