The Barringtons Hospital GLR (Great Limerick Run) Kids Run for Fun attracted more than 1400 participants between the ages of 4 and 12 on Saturday, establishing the inaugural event as the largest of its kids for children in Ireland.
The event, which was hosted by Limerick Sports Partnerships and the HSE Health Promotion Unit, came on foot of numerous requests from local schools and parents for a mass participation event for children to coincide with the adult Great Limerick Run which took place on Sunday.
Three events, namely a 2-mile Run/Jog for 8-12 yrs and 1-km Jog/Walk for 4-7 yrs were held in sunny conditions on the grounds the University of Limerick as a 1-km wheelchair event took place on the arena track. Each of the 1422 participants received a finisher's medal and a t-shirt marking the occasion.
Elaine O Connor, Co-ordinator of Limerick City Sports Partnership and Race Director commented: “This event put a smile on childrens' and parents’ faces as the effort from the children was evident for all to see as they ran through the UL finish arch on the track in front of hundreds of cheering spectators. This event was about children motivating parents and parents motivating children. There were many cases at the weekend whereby entire families took part in the Great Limerick Run experience between the junior and adult events on Saturday and Sunday.”
Joanne, whose 6-year-old daughter Lucy took part, said she was struck by “the sea of green” as all the children warmed up together in their GLR t-shirts. Joanne added: “There was a great sense of excitement and anticipation from the children and parents alike. It was wonderful for kids to have the opportunity to experience an event such as this.”
Phelim Macken, coordinator of the County Limerick Local Sports Partnership commented: “The primary aim of this event was to get the whole family involved in the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run over the course of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, and in doing so encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle in a way that is fun for everyone involved. We are delighted with the massive turnout and are already turning our attention to next year’s Kids Run for Fun.”
The event, which was hosted by Limerick Sports Partnerships and the HSE Health Promotion Unit, came on foot of numerous requests from local schools and parents for a mass participation event for children to coincide with the adult Great Limerick Run which took place on Sunday.
Three events, namely a 2-mile Run/Jog for 8-12 yrs and 1-km Jog/Walk for 4-7 yrs were held in sunny conditions on the grounds the University of Limerick as a 1-km wheelchair event took place on the arena track. Each of the 1422 participants received a finisher's medal and a t-shirt marking the occasion.
Elaine O Connor, Co-ordinator of Limerick City Sports Partnership and Race Director commented: “This event put a smile on childrens' and parents’ faces as the effort from the children was evident for all to see as they ran through the UL finish arch on the track in front of hundreds of cheering spectators. This event was about children motivating parents and parents motivating children. There were many cases at the weekend whereby entire families took part in the Great Limerick Run experience between the junior and adult events on Saturday and Sunday.”
Joanne, whose 6-year-old daughter Lucy took part, said she was struck by “the sea of green” as all the children warmed up together in their GLR t-shirts. Joanne added: “There was a great sense of excitement and anticipation from the children and parents alike. It was wonderful for kids to have the opportunity to experience an event such as this.”
Phelim Macken, coordinator of the County Limerick Local Sports Partnership commented: “The primary aim of this event was to get the whole family involved in the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run over the course of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, and in doing so encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle in a way that is fun for everyone involved. We are delighted with the massive turnout and are already turning our attention to next year’s Kids Run for Fun.”
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