RUNNERS and walkers are being invited to take part in arguably the most scenic 10k on earth.

Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 2, the Carrickfinn 10k Coastal Run is part of a drive to further enhance sporting facilities in the area and to assist local clubs such as Tír Chonaill Rugby Club and The Rosses Athletics Club.

They have both been going from strength to strength since a local committee took over the running track that sits adjacent to the airport. And the committee wants to keep that momentum going by further improving the pitch and track amenities.

Hugh Bonner of Mullaghduff Community Centre said, “Five years ago the track was virtually unusable. So a small committee including myself, Anthony Delap of Tír Chonaill Rugby Club and Aidan Gillespie from The Rosses Athletics Club banged heads and got a lease off the airport. From there we started doing up the track, fencing it off and putting up lights.”

On August 2 participants will set off from Donegal Airport – repeatedly voted the most stunning landing strip in the world – and make their way around the Carrickfinn head land. In their eye-line at all times will be breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the various islands that dot the west Donegal landscape.

“The track is a real community facility and the 10k will be an annual event, the idea being to showcase the area while also raising funds.

“All the money will go back into the facilities here, for example we would like to put in more lights to allow winter training.

“Only a few years ago the track and pitch were in such a state that you couldn’t have trained on them. We have them up to a certain standard now and we want to press on and keep improving everything.”

Entries are still available for the Carrickfinn 10k Coastal Run. Log on to https://www.facebook.com/Carrickfinn-10k-Coastal-Run-100749412268063 for details of how to get involved.