Over 1300 people turned out on Sunday last, 16 May to take part in the third annual Blackwater 10k Walk and Run.

The event has been held the last three years in aid of Monaghan Hospice Homecare and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Starting off from Monaghan United grounds, athletes of all ages led the way to Rossmore Forest Park.  Walkers followed at a more relaxed pace with children in pushchairs and all ages taking in the beautiful surrounding and good weather that added to the success of the day.

First to pass the finish line were the boys and girls who entered the 4K Fun Run and as with the more senior athletes on the 10K they also put in a determined effort before returning through the finish line. Open Runner male Glaslough Harriers Patrick Cassidy came through the line at an impressive 33mins 32 seconds and top female Cathy McCourt from Belfast followed at an equally impressive 38mins 13 seconds. Each participant received a t-shirt, medal, refreshment pack and lunch on completion of the course and there were bouncing castles and face painting for all to enjoy.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council Sean Conlon praised the success of the Blackwater 10k at the May monthly meeting of the town council on Monday, 17 May. He described the high number of people who participated as “remarkable” and said the funds from the day would be divided between two very worthwhile charities. Councillor Robbie Gallagher concurred with the Cathaoirleach’s sentiments and congratulated all involved.

The Blackwater 10k received funding from the EU’s programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III), managed by the Special EU Programmes Body through Monaghan PEACE III and South West Cluster PEACE III Partnership. Success would not have been made possible without the strong commitment and hard work put into the event by Monaghan Phoenix, Glaslough Harriers, Monaghan Sports Partnership, Blackwater Regional Partnership and the 71 volunteers who signed up to help before the event and on the day with registration, refreshments, preparing the track etc.

Julie Ann Spence, Blackwater Projects Officer also commented, “The success of this event came down to a team of volunteers who were dedicated to ensuring everyone had a good time, the kind sponsorship of local businesses, and everyone who came along to support two very worthwhile charities.” For further information on the participant’s time on completing the 10k, attractions and other activities in the Blackwater Region visit www.visitblackwaterregion.com.