One of the most ambitious sporting events ever organised in Co Donegal is to attract thousands of visitors to the county.
Details of the 4 Minute Mile Challenge , being organised by Letterkenny Athletic Club, were announced last night.
The iconic club celebrates its 40th anniversary and it will also use the event to honour its best-known member, Olympian Danny McDaid.
At the event, the running track at the Aura Centre will be officially named after the famous cross country and marathon runner.
Danny was present at last night’s launch as details of the ambitious event, which takes place on May 18th next, were unveiled to the public.
Among those who have been penciled in to compete are such household athletics names as Fionnuala Britton, Brian Gregan, Danny Mooney, Mark English, Danny McBrearty, Ruairi Finnegan and Maria McCambridge.
Two Kenyan athletes, who have been invited to the event, are hoping run Donegal’s first sub four minute mile.
Chairman of Letterkenny AC, Brendan McDaid, told Donegal Daily that he was hopeful the general public would support the track and field meeting.
“I am hopeful the event will attract large crowds. Hopefully we will get some nice weather.
“It’s one of only three major athletics events in Ireland next year and we have a major field confirmed to coincide with our 40th anniversary.
“We will also officially name the track after Danny McDaid which will be a very special moment,” said Brendan.
The man himself said he was very humbled by having the track named after him.
“I am humbled by the honour and I am very proud and thankful on behalf of myself and my family.
“I am really looking forward to the day,” he said.
Myles Sweeney of the Donegal Sports Partnership said his organisation would do their best to source some funding for the event.
Paddy Harte, chairman of The Gathering group in Donegal, said the event was another perfect event for people from across the world to come home to Donegal for next year.
Local councillors Ciaran Brogan, Tom Crossan and Jim Lynch all paid tribute to the Trojan work done by Letterkenny AC to the young people of the town.
Fresh from her role in managing the Irish Women’s Cross Country team to victory in Budapest, Theresa McDaid said the club was often too modest about its success.
Further details of the event will be released through regular updates released by the club closer to the event.
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