Hundreds of runners of all abilities, and their families and friends, descended on Darndale Park for the second ‘Get The Message Out Darndale Another Way 5K’.
Darndale’s famous community spirit was again 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.
There was a 1K fun run for children under-13.
Last year’s inaugural event was also 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. Dr Nolan paid tribute to all those involved in the event.
“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,” he said.
All pre-registered finishing runners received 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.
Winners – Men’s: David Rooney; Women’s: Sophia O’Brien; 1K (6yrs-8, male): Ross Redmond (6-8 female): Ella Rose Barry; (9-11, male): Brackenston O’Shea; (9-11, female): Remy Kennedy; (U13, male): Will Conroy.