Breffni Three Province Challenge launched
The Breffni 3 Province Challenge, which has raised almost €1m for cancer services and supports over the past 15 years, will take place this year on Saturday, July 30. Arva will be the base town for all events and entertainment over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The funds raised are in aid of three charities - St Luke’s Oncology Trust in Dublin, Breast Cancer Research Ireland (BCRI) based in Galway and Cavan Monaghan Cancer Homecare Association.
Last year 750 people participated and organisers are hoping to get close to 1,000 participants this year.
The route of the 100k cycle will go from Arva through Carrigallen, Mohill, Drumlish, Granard and Gowna, before returning to Arva.
The half marathon, the 10k and the 7k will all be staged in the townlands surrounding Arva. The 25k goes through Arva, Killeshandra and back again to Arva.
Organising Committee member Carol McEnerney explained that the half marathon and the 100k cycle route will take in all three Provinces – Ulster, Connacht and Leinster – travelling through Cavan, Longford and Leitrim.
New team event
The organising committee has also launched a new team event this year as part of the half marathon and it will feature teams of between three and six people. There is also a Cavan Crystal Trophy up for grabs and it is sponsored by the Breffni Arms Hotel. The times of the three best performers from the team of six will be totalled to get the final team tally. The winning female and male of the half marathon will not be included. “You might have the fastest runner but you might not win the team event,” explained Carol.
Committee member Martin McEnerney has already run six times in the challenge. Of the homecoming entertainment, he revealed that there will be a marquee on the Market Square and lots of refreshments and Shannonside Northern Sound Radio will be broadcasting live from the event.
Night Fever will headline in the marquee that night.
Committee member Philip Brady has also been with the event from the start, which commenced with a cycle from Dublin to Arva back in 2001 and evolved over the years. He says there is a great sense collective community responsibility when it comes to volunteers to organise and run the event.
Those wishing to participate can register on line via 'Fit Magazine’ and there is also a link on the facebook page. Participants can also register on the day or the previous evening in the Breffni Arms. The first cycle goes off at 11am, the second at 1.30pm and all the runs commence at 2pm.
The registration fee for the half marathon is €30, the 10k or the 7k is €25 and children doing the 7k will pay €10. The 100k cycle is €30 and the 25k is €25. Bucket collections will also feature along the route and sponsorship cards are available from various outlets including the Post Office in Arva, Woof and Ready Dog Grooming in Arva, Fresh Today in Cavan, Tom Moore’s Spar in Ballinagh, Macken’s Filling Station in Granard, or by calling the Breffni 3 Province Challenge number 0860848663.