Olympic Race Walker David Kenny’s club, Farranfore Maine Valley AC, is happy to confirm the return of the St Stephen’s Day 5K Run and 2K Walk on Sunday, December 26th with Kerry Airport back as one of its main sponsors.
The winner of the first ever St Stephen’s Day 5K Race 60 years ago, Currow native Tom McCarthy, will be present again to watch his grandson compete in what has always been a fun family day out.
Mid-Day Start
The race will start at midday on St. Stephen’s Day while registration is open from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 23rd at Firies GAA Club or online at the link below.
The Start & Finish is at the Kerry Mill in Farranfore, running close to the cross-roads in Firies and returning via the same route. Road closed to traffic so you can enjoy the day without having to worry about any traffic concerns.
Flying the Flags at Tokyo 2020
The CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said: “We are proud to support this event which has been a major part of the Christmas tradition in our community and the surrounding area for decades.
It was magnificent to see David Kenny fly the Farranfore Maine Valley AC, Kerry, and Ireland flags at Tokyo 2020. He has been an inspiration to young athletes who will follow in his walking steps. Kerry Airport is delighted to see the return of the St Stephen’s Day Run/Walk and we hope everyone enjoys this year’s installment.”
Same Route as in 1961
One of the oldest road races in Ireland takes place every St. Stephen’s Day, the event has been run since 1961 along the same route, starting on the R561 Farranfore to Firies road. The entry fee is only €15 for the run and €10 for the walk and it is the main source of funding for the club.
Life-long member and coach with Farranfore Maine Valley AC, Mike O’Connor, said: “We are looking forward to staging the St Stephen’s Day 5K run after missing out last year.
Covid Protocols Will Apply
“There is also a 2K fun run/walk starting at 11.45. Covid protocols will be in effect on the day which offers a fantastic opportunity to run-off the excesses of Christmas.
“The race is our major source of funding for the club which is why the support from Kerry Airport is so important to us.
“Kerry Airport is rooted in the community and so are we and we are grateful to them for their sponsorship.”
Contact Details
The 5K Timed Race is open to all those aged 13 years and over on race day. Race permit rules.
The St Stephen’s Day 5K Road Race will begin at noon on Sunday 26th and race numbers can be collected from 10.30am on the day at Firies GAA Club or at the registration event from 6pm to 8pm on this Thursday.
For more details on how to register please Click here: www.MyRunResults.com or follow @FarranforeMV on Facebook.
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