Dashing through the streets of Cavan

 

“Meeting up with friends and neighbours, having a bit of a laugh while supporting two great charities at the same time – sure isn’t that a nice way to spend your St Stephen’s Day morning!”

That’s the view of Liam Mimnagh, one of the chief organisers of the Cavan Christmas Dash, which will mark its seventh year of the charity 5km walk/run later today, Tuesday, December 26.

More than 600 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the dash, which will set off from the Farnham Arms Hotel, Cavan, at 12 noon.

To date, the festive fundraiser has raised almost €50,000 for local charities. This year’s dash is raising funds for two local charities: Cavan Down Syndrome, which provides services supporting approximately 40 families and Enable Ireland Cavan, which provides an early intervention service to over 370 children (aged 0-6 years) who have a physical, sensory, learning disability, developmental delay and those with autism.

Last year’s beneficiaries were Save our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD) and Cavan Autism Parents Support Group - CAPS, who shared more than €11,500 in funds.

In response to last year’s event Christine Wynne, Sosad Cavan remarked: “SOSAD Cavan was delighted to have been chosen as one of the charities for The Christmas Dash 2016. It was a lovely way to tie in to what we do here. Community coming together and supporting one another at what can be a very difficult time for many. The donation stays in the area and as we receive no government funding it helps us to keep offering support to those in crisis free of charge.”

 

 

Bernie Nelson of CAPS was also thankful: “Since its inception, the Cavan Christmas Dash has become synonymous with kick starting the body after the excesses of the season, but in relation to what it means to the charities that benefit from the proceeds it means so much more. The outpouring of goodwill from the organisers from the onset, through to the generosity and enthusiasm of the Cavan people are immeasurable and are the factors that encourage committees from local charities like Cavan Autism Parents Support (CAPS) to keep going.” The funds donated to CAPS from the 2016 Dash helped to provide over 3,700 hours of respite during fun summer camps in July and August this year to children and young people with a diagnosis of Autism in the county.

Registration for this chip and timed race is available online at www.cavanchristmasdash.ie until 6pm Christmas eve.

You can also register on the morning prior to the race from 10:30am until 11:50am. Prices €15 per adult and €8 for U16s.

Discounted rates available for those who register online and group and family rates also available.

Those registering online will be entered into a draw to win a free lunch, sponsored by the Farnham Arms Hotel and the Hotel Kilmore. For more details log on to: www.cavanchristmasdash.ie.