Fun run in The Liberties

The Liberties Fun Run in aid of St James’s Hospital will return for its ninth year this July.

St James’s Hospital Foundation has announced the run will take place on July 20th, starting and finishing in IMMA/ Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Last year’s run //St James’s Hospital Foundation

Jamie Conway, the event manager, said: “This event is open to the public.  We are very lucky to have an event that attracts both competitive athletes as well as keeping its identity as a family-friendly fun run.  We welcome all runners, walkers and joggers to take part.  We also welcome people who would like to volunteer at the event on the night.

“Runners can avail of ‘post run’ rub downs by our awesome hospital physiotherapists.

“We also invite all participants to our after party in Arthur’s Pub on Thomas Street where Declan and his amazing team offer all participants a free pint.”

This year’s Liberties Fun Run is slightly longer than recent years.  An extra 500 meters have been added to the distance making it 4 miles (6.5km) long which is an officially recognised distance for competitive runners.

Jamie said: “Last year, we had just under 1,000 participants.  It was also our record year in terms of fundraising as we raised over €50,000 for St James’s Hospital.”

Registration for the run has opened up early this year and almost 100 people have already signed up to take part.  There is an upper limit of 1,500 people as any more than that would require full road closure which would be impossible due to the uniqueness of the route.

Online registration is available at www.supportstjames.ie until Tuesday 18th of July but people can still register at Royal Hospital Kilmainham on the night of the run.  Jamie said: “Online registration is cheaper so we do advise people to book early.”  Registration cost is €25 and all participants will receive a free souvenir running top.

It has not yet been announced what area of the hospital will receive the proceeds.  Jamie said: “Every year we invite all interested departments to apply for the funding of the Liberties Fun Run.  This year, we have 10 different applications so we are currently reviewing them with the hospital management to decide the winning beneficiary.  We hope to announce the recipient of this years’ funding in early April.”