Toonie launches Road Race and Fun Run 2008
Thursday, 24 July 2008
BALLYMONEY'S favourite bear 'Toonie' was on hand to oversee the launch of the 2008 Riada 5 Mile Road Race and Children's Fun Run which will take place on Friday 25th July.
The launch of this year's event took place at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, where it was announced that North Antrim Fencing would once again be the title sponsor of the event, with Trolan's Supervalu sponsoring the Children's Fun Run.
The event will once again be coordinated and organised in partnership between Springwell Running Club and Ballymoney Borough Council's Sports Development Unit.
Richard Gormley, Sports Development Officer paid tribute to the event sponsors support of the Road Race and commented,
‘North Antrim Fencing has sponsored the event since its inception and I would like to thank Vincent Gilmore of North Antrim Fencing on behalf of the Council for his valued and continued support. Trolans Supervalu came on board from 2006 and backed the Childrens Fun Run which has proved to be a fantastic success with over 70 children taking part last year. The Road Race has gone from strength to strength in recent years and I am looking forward to the 25th July and watching many of Northern Ireland's top athletes compete here in Ballymoney as well as the children in the Fun Run'
Springwell Running Club stalwart Alistair Bratten has also been involved in the race for many years and once more is an integral part of the events organisation. 'The club is delighted to be involved again this year and looks forward to an even bigger entry again than last year. Hopefully we can top the 150 mark this year in the main event and we hope for good numbers in the childrens event. All athletes in the Road Race should remember that there are cash prizes for all events this year!'
In all there will be 12 events run concurrently on the evening of July 25th . The event begins at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre before traveling down the Garryduff Road into Riverside Park. It then turns left up the Bravellen Road and along Lislagan Road before again turning left back onto the Garryduff Road toward the finish at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.
