The Solas Centre held its annual Run for Life fundraiser last Sunday with participants from across the South East coming to Waterford to take part in the race and help to support one of the country’s leading cancer support facilities.
Each year across Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, about 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. The Solas Centre provides confidential, individualised support services for those affected while being 100% reliant on income raised from its fundraising initiatives. Now in its eight year, the South East Run for Life has grown from strength to strength to become one of the major dates in the charity’s fundraising calendar.
This year’s event saw a record number of competitors register – more than doubling participation from last year – and exceeding the centre’s target of reaching 2,015 entrants in 2015. For the first time, Solas also introduced the shorter five mile ‘Walk for Life’ course this year, giving two options for competitors to choose from: encouraging wider participation among families and entrants of all ages and experience levels.
Mayor John Cummins officially announced the races opening at 12:30. Both runners and walkers set off from Gladstone Street, before splitting off on different routes through Waterford City. Each group passed by the Solas Centre on their journeys before once again joining back up to cross the finish line together in The People’s Park.
Frank Quinlan of Waterford AC was first to finish clocking a time of 57:19 for the ten mile distance. He was closely followed by Martin Monaghan and Paul Moran who placed second and third respectively. Adele Walsh led the way in the women’s category completing the course in 1:04:45, just ahead of Sally Forristal and Eimear McGuinness.
Runners and walkers continued to pass over the finish line in the minutes and hours that followed: each one playing their own part in the success of the event. The People’s Park filled with spectators there to cheer home friends and family members as they completed the race, further adding to the atmosphere on the day. The run was then supplemented by a range of additional activities in the ‘Fun for Life’ area where participants and their supporters were able to relax and enjoy the sunshine until late into the afternoon.
Datapac were delighted to again be involved in the Run for Life this year as sponsors, volunteers and participants. You can see the full list of results from the race here. To learn more about The Solas Centre or to make a donation, please visit www.solascentre.ie.
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- A record of more than 2,015 runners and walkers registered for this years event
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- Datapac volunteers busy at work
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- Marie was the oldest competitor to complete the 10 mile course at 78 years old
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