Walkers from the Letterkenny area at end of the Run in the Dark 5k this time last year.
FRESH from losing her hair this coming weekend, Gweedore mother Sonia McGarvey will be at Glenveagh Castle next Wednesday evening, November 16, looking to help make a difference to the worldwide spinal cord injured community.
Sonia will join up to two hundred others running under the cover of darkness around Glenveagh, lighting up the night as part of worldwide running phenomenon Run in the Dark.
The event is one of many across the world supporting the Mark Pollock Trust which aims to fast track a cure for paralysis.
The Donegal team is being led by Sonia whose daughter Noirin (12) has a spinal cord injury after a car accident in Dunlewey eight years ago.
There are only 200 places available for this year’s Run In The Dark Donegal and places are filling up fast.
It is a 5k lakeside walk that brings the walkers and runners through the glen from Glenveagh castle and gardens to the visitors centre. The walk begins at Glenveagh Castle, continues along the shores of Lough Veagh and ends at the bus shelter close to the visitors centre and carpark.
Transport will be provided from the bus shelter next to the carpark from 6.45 with the last bus leaving at 7.30 to ensure an 8pm start.
All participants will start at the castle and take the bus route, which is smooth tarmac. As this path is not a full 5k participants will turn off onto a gravel path that takes you over bridges and into woodland before reaching the bus shelter and loop back to the turn off again and return to the bus shelter via the gravel route a second time.
There is the option for those with children to finish when passing the bus shelter the first time – a distance of 3.4 K. Wheelchair users can remain on the tarmac path but once again it will not be the full 5K. The gravel path is accessible but more of a challenge. There will be lead walkers and ones following behind to ensure safety at all times.
“There will be traditional music at the castle before the race commences and refreshments to include mulled wine and minced pies will be served after the run/walk at the visitors centre,” Ms McGarvey said.
The entry fee (€25) will be donated to the Mark Pollock Trust mission to find and connect people world-wide to fast-track a cure for paralysis.
You will receive a run entry, Run in the Dark buff and flashing armband. Head torches or hand-held torches are essential as there will be minimal lighting present on the night with some places completely unlit.
It is important that you arrive at the latest 45 minutes in advance of the start time (8pm) so that you can receive your buff and flashing armband and get to the castle for an 8pm start.
A group photo will be taken at the castle with all participants in advance of the run.
People are encouraged to register at www.runinthedark.org/donegal/ as there will be no registration on the night. There is also a family discount available online.
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