There's just about 6 weeks to go to the 50th Anniversary Hollymount Road Races on Sunday November 15th and the buildup to the momentous event continues at pace.The race committee is led by Sean Reilly, and they have been busy over the past few months ensuring that this will be the biggest and most successful staging of this unique fixture on the Irish athletics's calendar.
The weekend celebrations will include
- the unveiling of a statue on the approach to the village,
- unveiling of a plaque containing the names of all male and female race winners,
- a pre race function on the Saturday night,
- a book on the history of the event
- and of course the big race day itself featuring 3 major races: under 18 3k for boys and girls, a new 6k women's race and the men's 10k over the usual 3 lap circuit.
All races finish on the main street beside a plaque to the memory of the late Tom Reilly, one of the founders of the race a half century ago. The 50th anniversary races will have a major prize fund in excess of €5000, including cash prizes of €200, €150 and €100 for the top 3 men and women finishers, plus an increased number of individual and team prizes. A limited number of commemorative special edition t-shirts will be available on a first come first served basis. Entries are now open on www.runireland.com
Sponsorship
Earlier this year the race committee embarked on a fund raising drive to contribute towards the cost of staging this major promotion. The committee are delighted to report there has been a wonderful response to the appeal, with sponsorship continuing to come in from businesses, organisations, clubs and individuals. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will be recognised at both the upcoming race launch and race weekend.
The missing winners
As already stated it is planned that a plaque containing the names of all male and female winners will go on permanent display in the village after this year's race.
The names of all male winners are known. However, despite extensive trawls through newspaper archives and other sources, the female race winners of 1973, 1974 and 1975 are not currently known. The organisers ask that anyone who may have knowledge of any of those winners to contact either Sean (086) 8402679 or Michael (086) 8534729 immediately.
Race Launch.
The official 50th Hollymount Road Race launch will take place in Sean OGs Bar Hollymount on Friday night 9th October at 8pm Full details of the weekend celebrations will be announced and those in attendance will include local and national personalities, sponsors, previous race winners, race committee and friends of the race.
A fund raising table quiz will be held following the launch starting at 9:30pm sharp.