Pretty in Pink: Join the Great Pink Run and beat cancer

Eoin Meegan

Do you want to face a challenge to help beat breast cancer? The Great Pink Run is back on October 19th in the Phoenix Park. You have a choice of a 10k or a 5k run or walk, which start at 10 am and 11 am respectively, with the 10k event doing two laps of the route.

Online registration is now closed but you can still register on race day, cash in hand at the registration tent.

There you will collect your race number and your t-shirt (which you get free once you register) either on the day or today (Friday 18th)
in Damer Hall, 120-112 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 from 11am to 7pm & Phoenix Park Dublin on Saturday 19th October from 9am. Children are encouraged to take part. Upon registering, each participant will automatically create an online fundraising page with EverydayHero which allows you to share with friends and family who can all donate. Everyone will receive a medal at the end. All funds go directly into breast cancer research and awareness. The sponsors are covering all the costs.

The starting point is the junction of Furze Road and Chesterfield Avenue. If you are travelling to the event, be mindful that there is limited parking in the Phoenix Park and the surrounding areas. using public transport bus or Luas is a better option.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in Ireland in women. Worryingly the cases are on the increase.

Statistics show that one in 11 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Over 3,000 cases are diagnosed every year and sadly 706 women die from it. The condition is more common in women over 50, but it affects younger women too.

On the positive side, survival rates are on the increase thanks to early detection, and the research work being carried out worldwide. That is why your participation is so vitally important. Cancer research needs funds. You participation on October the 19th can make a difference.

This will be the ninth year of the Great Pink Run event, with more than 35,000 people having crossed the finishing line since the event began in 2011. Over 8,000 completed the run in the Phoenix Park last year, raising in excess of €500,000, and this year, the planners are hoping to do even better.

The event isn’t solely aimed at women, the organisers want men to participate in it too. While it is a serious fundraising event, and an actual run, the emphasis is on the fun aspect. You don’t have to be an athlete to take part, you can walk or jog or bring your stroller.

The organisers encourage people to wear pink, the vast majority of those taking part in previous years did. There will be a prize for the ‘best dressed in pink’.

The event is organised by Breast Cancer Ireland, and sponsored by Avonmore Slimline Milk. There is a second Pink Run on Sunday in Kilkenny Castle Park.

See you all in the Phoenix Park.  Further information and answers to FAQ https://www.greatpinkrun.ie/