This year sees the 30th staging of the Ballyare 10k Road race and 5K Fun Walk. Founder of the event was local athlete and Finn Valley stalwart Pat Hegarty who, many years ago, wished to raise funds for the Adult day centre in Letterkenny.
Following a meeting in Carrs of the Diamond a committee was formed and a road race and fun walk was organised
The event proved to be a great success and became an annual event. Pat Hegarty and indeed some others are still members of the committee today.
Over the years the Committee have added other fundraising events to boost the monies raised.
It has always been the aim of the Committee that all funds raised would stay within the County and go back into the
Community.
Various charities and Community projects have benefitted over the years with over €200,000 raised to date.
The Road Race is part of the Donegal Grand Prix and the course of the race is one of the most challenging in the County.
The Course record is held by our very own, Pat Hegarty while Nakita Burke smashed the Ladies record in 2021
The two worthy charities who will benefit from the 2023 event are Cairde le Cheile and No Barriers Foundation. As always, the Committee are very grateful for the continued support of sponsors, all those who support the events, who make facilities available to run the events and all who help in any way in staging the events.
The 10k Road Race and 5K Fun Walk takes place on Friday August 11th.
The walk will start at 7pm and Race at 7.30pm with registrations for walkers starting in Carrs of the Diamond at 6pm and at The Diamond Park for the runners at 6.30pm.
Fancy dress for Walkers is optional with prizes for best costumes and of course lots of spot prizes will also be given out
on the evening.
A full calendar of events right through to October can be found on the Ballyare 10k Facebook Page with next event being a car treasure hunt taking place on Friday July 14th at 7pm from The Diamond followed by Skittles on 16th, a pub Quiz on 21st, a Tractor and vintage car run on 23rd and Mr & Mrs final on July 28th.
