Muck-in for Moygownagh

Muck-in for Moygownagh


Ciara Galvin

FOR a run with a difference people around the county and throughout Ireland will be flocking to Moygownagh for the 2014 Mayo Mud Run on March 22. The 8.5km run – a fundraiser for Moygownagh Community Centre – will take in woods and water, and there’ll be obstacles too, with partipants getting stuck in the mud for fun.
The Mayo Mud Run, first held last year, combines road and field cross-country running, through water and mud and forest trails, across natural and man-made obstacles over a distance. Participants will have to sprint, climb, crawl and generally muck their way to the finish line.
Speaking to The Mayo News ahead of the race, committee member John Diamond said groups from gyms across the county will be descending on Moygownagh. “We wanted a creative way of fundraising and we felt we had suitable land. People who have completed triathalons and other races have helped us develop the route,” explained Diamond. The course has been designed to be physically demanding and so will be very attractive for the serious competitor.
This year, the organisers have developed more sections along the route and have fine-tuned the provision of changing and shower facilities. There will be hot showers, a hose-down area and ample parking for all entrants, while Redtagtiming will chip all entrants. Goody bags for everyone will include a T-shirt, running vest and energy drink, with ladies’ and gents’ spot prizes on offer post-run.
“It’s a very small community, but everyone has a hand, act or part in it,” explained Diamond, adding that over 120 volunteers will be on hand to ensure the event is a success.
Diamond, who is also Chairman of the Moygownagh GAA Club, highlighted the importance of the community centre in the area, saying that the centre was used by two or three groups every evening. The Mayo Mud Run ‘ideal way’ to fundraise from wider areas and not hit the local population for money continuously, he said.
The event has received registrations from Dublin, Louth, Cork and Fermanagh, demonstrating the countrywide interest in the run.
The run will start at Moygownagh Community Centre at 1pm and registration will take place from 11.30am. To enter the race, visit mayomudrun.ie.