Fit for Life funding boost for Athlone AC

Athlone Athletics Club is among nine clubs nationwide to receive funding to encourage greater participation in walking, jogging and running.

The club was awarded funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund in support of the McCabes Pharmacy Fit for Life programme.

Fellow Westmeath club Mullingar Harriers AC is also among the recipients. The other clubs to receive the funding are Raheny Shamrock AC, Lusk AC, Artane Beaumont Running Club (all Dublin); Boyne AC, Glenmore AC (both Louth); Edenderry AC (Offaly); and United Striders AC (Wexford).

The funding will help clubs build on their existing programmes, providing opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities to become more physically active in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Athletics Ireland's Fit for Life programme is designed to remove barriers to participation, helping people take their first steps into regular physical activity while enjoying the health, wellbeing and social benefits of being part of a local athletics club.

At Athlone AC, the Fit for Life programme has been introducing people to athletics for several years, with participants regularly progressing from complete beginners to active club members taking part in races across Ireland.

The club runs sessions every Monday and Wednesday evening, offering a welcoming introduction to running while helping participants build fitness, confidence and lasting friendships.

Athlone AC’s Charlie Lawn (who represented the club along with chairperson Martina Connell at the funding announcement) highlighted the importance of the programme in bringing people together.

"Fit for Life has been running in Athlone for many years, and we've welcomed a huge number of people through the programme in that time,” said Charlie.

“One of the biggest benefits, alongside improving fitness, is the social side of it. People meet new friends, and for many it's their first time stepping onto an athletics track. That can be a little intimidating at first, but we introduce everyone gradually and make sure they feel comfortable and welcome.

“What's particularly rewarding is seeing so many participants continue training with the club after completing Fit for Life, with many going on to take part in races all over the country. We regularly have a bus heading off to events, and that shared experience and enjoyment is a huge part of what makes the club special," Charlie continued.

Charlie believes the funding will help Athlone AC reach even more people in the local community.

"One of the most valuable ways we can use this funding is to increase awareness of Fit for Life and encourage more people to come down to the track and give it a go,” he said.

"It's about getting active, making friends and becoming part of a supportive community. If we can encourage more people to take that first step, we can continue to grow the club and contribute to the growth of running both locally and nationally."

It has been another very busy year for Athlone AC members who have brought large contingent of members to races in such places as Kinvara, Mullingar, Roscommon and Tullamore, along with many other locations, both at home and abroad.

And the club’s own 10k and half marathon races again proved highly successful in September, with entries swiftly selling out, while a considerable volunteer effort from club members helped the event to run smoothly.

Last month, the following Athlone AC members took on the challenge of running the Dublin Marathon: Lisa O’Rourke, Lisa Fahey, Gabrielle Fallon, Lavinia Connell, Melanie Moran, Ciara Deehan, Liam Kidney, Matthew Calitz, David Watson, Denis Bergin, Amy Maloney, Eric McCormack, Oisín O’Donnell, Sheila Beirne, Andrew Lennon, Olivia Greally, Gina O’Neill, Alan McManus, Pauric Whelehan, Holly Maloney, Deirdre Kelly, Darren Henson, Benny McNamara, Donna Healy Hynes, David Flood, Paddy Hamilton.

Pauric Whelehan, Paddy Hamilton, Lisa O’Rourke, Holly Maloney (who broke the three-hour mark with a very impressive time of 2.58.08), David Watson, Lisa Dahey and Liam Kidney all won age category medals.

But while personal best times and medals are always a nice bonus, Athlone AC is about far more than such achievements as its ongoing Fit for Life programme proves.

For more information on the Fit for Life programme or to find your nearest participating club, visit: https://www.athleticsireland.ie/get-involved/programmes/fit4life