Maroon Charity run to kick off from Athlone today

Runners are getting ready to participate in the Maroon Charity Run event organised by longtime Athlone resident, Jimmy Devine, in aid of Pieta today (Saturday).

Kicking off March 9 at 8.30am from the new cycleway bridge in Athlone, around 40 runners will join Jimmy for different sections of his run to his homeplace of Fohenagh in Galway, just under 26 miles.

For health and safety reasons the route of the run has been changed, so from Athlone, the group will travel to Clann na nGael in Johnstown where they will stop off and walk a lap of the pitch. This move is to commemorate someone who has passed away, or to think of someone who is struggling or going through a difficult time. Others are welcome to join in the lap with the Maroon Charity run participants.

From Johnstown, runners will progress to Ballinasloe and Ahascragh before the finish line at Fohenagh GAA grounds, probably around 2.30pm, where they will also complete a lap of the pitch.

With a lot of training under his belt, organiser Jimmy Devine, who has lived in Athlone for over 30 years, thanked everyone, too many to mention, who have helped and supported him in the run-up to the fundraiser, and to all assisting on the day itself.

“I want to acknowledge all the kind messages I've received from people from near and far,” said Jimmy ahead of the run on March 9. “The most important thing is that people talk and listen, and that's why I'm doing this fundraiser for Pieta. At all times look after yourself and look after others,” he emphasised.

You can still donate to the Maroon Charity Run in aid of Pieta by typing in the name of the event into the idonate.ie website.

At time of going to press, the total raised so far stands at over €4,400.