Loop the Lakes charity run

The annual Killeshandra Loop the Lakes Charity Run will take place this Saturday, August 30.

The run/walk will enter its 14th year and organisers are expecting numbers in the range of three hundred to show up.

Participants can decide to do the long route, which is 7km, or the shorter route of 3.5km. Starting at Killeshandra Community Hall, the walk will bring you along the main roads around the town and then into the "very scenic" areas around Killykeen Forest Park.

"We take it for granted and then people come who just love it [the scenery]," said Ciaran Burns, who is a member of the organising committee.

Organisers stress that participants can walk or run on the day. To make the walk inclusive for the entire community, they decided to create a shorter route, which is ideal for elderly people who wish to take part and also those who want to get involved but cannot commit to 7km.

"It has turned into a wonderful community event for people to get together."

The Killeshandra man also has widespread praise for the fifty or sixty people who get involved behind the scenes - those who make sandwiches, stewards, and those who hand out refreshments. Merchandise including hats, bags and t-shirts are also handed out on the day.

"It's just a wonderful community day," he explained, adding that children can have their face painted, while there will also be ice-cream and treats galore.

"There's any amount of food to eat. For a very small entrance fee, it's just a wonderful event."

"It's to bring the town together so people would get out. It's a social event."

Funds raised on the days will go towards SOSAD Cavan, Cavan Autism Parents Supports and FOCUS Family Resource Centre. As always, there will be a few surprises along the route with stewards handing out refreshments and a treasure hunt for children.

"We try to keep everybody happy, there'll be lots of treats for the kids."

Those wishing to take part in this year's walk can do so online or at the hall on the day. Everybody who registers is automatically entered into a draw to win a first prize of €500 cash or second prize of €200.

The committee is organising this year's Loop the Lakes event with a heavy heart, as they remember Paudie O'Reilly who would have helped out at the event in previous years. Paudie passed away in a fatal incident last Sunday (August 24).

"The Loop of the Lakes committee want to extend their condolences to Paudie's wife Schira, the kids Fionn and Grace and all the extended family.

"Paudie had helped as a steward over the years and his family have been very much involved in the event.

"His passing will be acknowledged on the day."