Hundreds of runners of all abilities, and their families, are to descend on Darndale Park for the second annual ‘Get The Message Out Darndale Another Way 5K’on Saturday, April 29 at 11.00am.
Darndale’s famous community spirit will again be to the fore at the free event, which forms part of the Get The Message Out (GTMO) campaign to steer young people away from addiction and crime and support those determined to exit that lifestyle.
This event is for all, regardless of age or ability. There will be a 1K fun run commencing at 11.15am for children under-13.
More information and registration for those interested in taking part is available at https://www.active.com/dublin-17-dublin/running/distance-running-races/another-way-5k-2023
Last year’s inaugural event was an outstanding success, attracting hundreds of runners of all ages, whilst at the same time promoting alternatives to addiction and crime.
The event is spearheaded by local man, father and ex-prisoner Ger Redmond.
He said sport and fitness had helped turn his life around following the birth of his son, prompting him to become a Get The Message Out Ambassador.
According to Dr Jack Nolan, the chair of the Darndale Economic and Social Plan implementation group, such events are needed to show communities affected by drugs, that they are not forgotten.
The Darndale Economic and Social Plan was initiated by Dublin City Council and its Implementation Oversight Group (IOG) is supported by the authority.
“The Get The Message Out Darndale Another Way 5K encourages people to consider a different way of life by highlighting opportunities, services and activities available to help them to reach their full potential,” said Dr Nolan.
Ger Redmond said the event has the capacity to influence lives.
“Sport is a wonderful way to heal both the physical and mental. This event is growing, and I hope it will form part of the community calendar for many years to come.
“I would love to see it leading to the formation of a club which would see locals come together to run, jog or walk, discuss their lives and achieve goals they never thought possible.”
All pre-registered finishing runners will receive a medal, t-shirt and goodie bag, with contact information for the Get The Message out campaign, for those who may one day need it.
Last year’s participants are encouraged to wear the t-shirt they received in 2022.
Get the Message Out is seeking to recruit volunteer stewards for the event, so if you have a couple of hours to spare on the day, please email: ger.nolan@nspartnership.ie