It's GOAL Mile Time!
Going the extra mile
Do you ever feel over the festive season that you just want to get out into the fresh air? Maybe stretch the legs and do a little exercise before a night in front of the television beckons? Nothing too strenuous mind, just enough to feel virtuous and deserving of the extra mince pie? Well this year why not get all the family out and moving. And raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.
All over Ireland at Christmas time, thousands of people run, jog or walk a mile to raise funds for GOAL. For many families the GOAL mile has become a tradition in its own right, as important a part of the Christmas as the turkey or the Christmas pudding. Each individual event is organised and run by local volunteers. Many of the events are listed on www.inspireme.ie. Or check out www.goalglobal.org for a complete list. Below are just a few examples of the different events that are taking place. So make an early new year’s resolution, pull on those runners and head along to your nearest GOAL mile. As you burn off the calories you can rest assured that donations will be put to good work for GOAL’s many programmes in the developing world.
Clare
The first run of the day will be taking place in Clonlara, Co Clare where the early risers will be heading out at 9am. Although as the organisers realise that some of you may not have been woken at 4am by excited children, you can head along any time up until 12.
Dublin
Those in Dublin are spoilt for choice. You could start off on Christmas Day at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park at 10.30. And if you have gotten the fitness buzz, you could then head across town to Ballsbridge on St Stephen’s Day where the first GOAL Mile in Herbert Park will be taking place at 10.30. Wave at the swans as you pass them by. And the organisers have arranged that there will be a run setting off every 15 minutes. So no matter what time you arrive at there should be someone to keep you company as you run/walk/jog.
Midlands
In Ballinasloe the annual GOAL mile takes place from 10.30 – 12.30 at Padraig Pearse’s GAA Club on their all-weather track. The Tullamore Harriers will also be hosting a Goal Mile at the Harriers Stadium. Registration is from 10am and the official mile starts at 11. All are welcome to come along and walk, jog or run to raise money for critical projects such as the work of Goal in South Sudan.
Donegal
St Stephens Day will also be the day for one of the most northerly GOAL miles in Downings GAA Club at 12. Every participant at this Donegal event will receive a certificate and their recorded time. This might be all the motivation you need to create a New Year’s Resolution to take up running.
Roscommon
Perhaps one of the most picturesque of settings is the Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle Co. Roscommon. On Sat 30th you can set off at 10am for a quick sprint or slow jog around the beautiful woodland. You may even spot one of Santa’s reindeer amongst the trees.
As always, details of the events are correct at time of publishing. However, we recommend checking with the event organizer before you travel.
