THE most successful Ballyare 10k road race in the event’s distinguished history is being scheduled for this summer.
A huge pool of runners is being encouraged to sign up for the 33rd Ballyare 10k race and 5k fun walk.
Ballyare 10k 2026 committee chairman Pat Carr officially launched proceedings this week and announced that this year’s chosen charities are Community First Responders and Rise and Shine Trust Group 309 Donegal.
The event this year will switch from being staged on a Friday to Sunday, July 5.
He welcomed the representatives from both charities, Sarah McGinley and Claire McGrenra, on behalf of Community First Responders and Anne McCaughan and Alice Rose O’Hagan on behalf of Rise and Shine.
He said the committee is delighted to have their support and looked forward to working with them over the coming months.
This year’s main event takes place on July 5 with the 5k fun walk starting from Carrs of the Diamond, Ballyare, at 11am and the 10k race starting at 11.30am.
The link for runners’ online registrations will be available shortly on the Ballyare 10k Facebook page.
Sponsor cards for the 10k event will also be available from both charities and from the committee members by calling 0862395147.
A spokesperson said: “As in previous years, various other fundraising events will take place alongside the main event to maximize the proceeds for handing over to our chosen charities.
“First of these is the Squid Games which will take place in Carrs of the Diamond on Friday, May 15.
“Tickets can be purchased from committee members or from the charities. Events planned for the summer months include a tractor run, car treasure hunt, sheep dog trials, charity football match, poker night, bingo and a night at the races.
“A calendar of these events is available and will be posted on the Ballyare 10k Facebook page with further details posted closer to each event.”
Several hardworking co-organisers, such as PJ Burke, Paul McGinley, Anthony Friel, Gary Doherty, Gerard McGettigan, and Brian Orr, were identified as crucial to the Ballyare 10k that has raised €240,000 in the last 32 years.
The spokesperson added: “The committee thanked all who make it possible, including William from the Donegal Page and Francis from the Tirconaill Tribune and Brian McDaid from the Donegal News for their coverage.”
Rise and Shine takes young adults with additional needs on a week-long life changing holiday to Lourdes every Easter.
The trips are free for their guests but the volunteers pay for their own trip.
Community First Responders has 33 volunteers trained to respond to specific categories of emergencies within the locality.
They are alerted by the ambulance service when there is an emergency in the community and provide early intervention including CPR, defibrillation with an AED, and support to the patient and their families.
They are based in Kilmacrennan, Termon, Gartan, Churchill and Trentagh areas.
Donegal County Cllr Michael McBride, who is part of the Community First Responders, attended the launch and pledged a generous donation from his Members’ Development Fund (MDF).