"Ming" Flanagan among entries for Moate's 10k run

Independent TD and keen runner Luke "Ming" Flanagan will be one of hundreds taking part in the inaugural "Heart of Ireland" 10k run in Moate this Sunday at 11am. Organised by Midland Warriors Rugby Club, the event is the first of its kind for Moate and Warriors PRO Ian Rowlands said he hopes it's the first of many. "It's intended to be an annual event," he said. "We thought we'd be ambitious and try to capture people's imaginations by calling it the 'Heart of Ireland' run." Capturing imagination seems to be exactly what it is doing, with four entries from as far away as America for the inaugural event. Another notable runner is Noel Kelly, winner of the South West Hospice fun run in AIT at the beginning of April. The race, which costs €25 to enter before Sunday and €30 on the day, is being run as a fundraiser for Midlands Warriors Rugby Club. However Mr Rowlands says the more important aim is "making it an event and bringing people from all over to Moate". This Sunday's route will see runners setting off from Moate's Main Street, just across the road from the Gap House. From there the group will head out the Clara Road and continue to Ballycumber, before returning to finish in Moate via the Hall Road to tea and sandwiches in the Community Centre. The race will be timed with chips by Athletics Ireland. "It's pretty flat and takes in the countryside," Mr Rowlands said of the route. "Serious runners are hoping to do it in 30 minutes, but we'd encourage everyone locally to participate. " The race will also act as a warm up for those running in the Womens' Mini Marathon in Dublin on the June bank holiday weekend, as well as the forthcoming Athlone triathlone. A total prize fund of just under €1000 will see first, second and third prizes for both males and females. There will be additional awards for the first over-45, over-55 and junior runner past the post, as well as the first club team. This week Mr Rowlands said he'd love to see a local winning, but would like to see locals taking part regardless of result. "We really want people to join in and take the opportunity to join this once a year challenge on their doorstep," he said. Anyone interested in taking part can register for the race at www.runireland.com in the events section. Those wishing to register on the day should turn up at the Community Centre before 10am, in order to be ready for an 11am start.