Run the Bridges returns
Despite only being established last year, Ballina Primary School’s ‘Run the Bridges’ fundraiser has already evolved into a highly regarded and heavily anticipated fixture in the local running calendar, and momentum is steadily building towards this year’s edition, which is scheduled for Sunday, September 6. Featuring both a chip-timed 10km run and a more moderate 5km run/walk, the event – which sees participants circumnavigate Ballina-Killaloe via the twin towns’ two bridges – is open to individuals of all abilities, from serious and seasoned athletes to those who prefer a more pedestrian pace.
At the heart of it all is Ballina Primary School, a once humble three teacher institution which over the years has developed into a state-of-the-art educational facility with in excess of 400 pupils and over 30 staff. Every cent collected from Run the Bridges (entry is €30 for the 10km run and €20 for the 5km run/walk) will be directed straight towards the upgrade and development of the school yard. The ambition is to install both an astro-turf and a soft rubber surface on the existing yard, rendering it safer and more suitable towards the needs of the pupils. The overarching goal, as stated by principal Bernice O’Connell on the school’s website, is to provide a “secure and happy environment” for all pupils in order to “foster their spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and cultural development”.
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE
There was an overwhelming response to last year’s event, which welcomed over 500 participants and generated a real feel-good atmosphere around the locality. Chairman of the school’s Board of Management Tom Moore is anticipating a similar number, if not more, this time around. Tom describes the school as “blessed” with the volume of support received from various local organisations and businesses, and emphasises that, at its core, Run the Bridges is a community-centred project. “The run is embedding the school community within the local community – that’s the great thing about it,” he says. “We’re not exterior. We’re located in the heart of the village and we’re always open and welcoming to parents and visitors.”
Running is now a modern cultural phenomenon which is becoming increasingly popular across the country, and hence, an event like this was always going to do well. But the reason Run the Bridges is proving so successful is that it is so well organised. The entire school community has got behind the fundraiser and is helping to drive it forward. “One of the great things we’ve done is that we’ve split into different teams which are responsible for various parts of the event,” Tom explains. “For example we have an advertising team, a catering team and a social media team – we have a very hot and active social media page at the moment.”
Tom isn’t lying. Last week, followers of the Run the Bridges Instagram page were treated to a surprise video message from former Olympian and European mixed relay gold medallist Thomas Barr, who encouraged everybody to get involved regardless of whether they wanted to “walk, jog, run or even roll their way through it”.
SPONSORS
The event is being supported by a multitude of sponsors, ranging from the school lunch company Carambola (the main sponsor) to The Old Barracks coffee roastery in Birdhill. Kicking off at 10am from Ballina Primary School, organisers are encouraging participants to arrive well in advance. The entire occasion should create a great buzz in both Ballina and Killaloe, and locals are being invited to come out and line the route with support. It is an ideal way to spend the first Sunday in September, and it is certainly for a good cause.
REGISTER FOR RUN
You can register online for Run the Bridges via the Eventmaster webpage.