Annual dawn run at Hill of Tara set to attract 500 fundraisers

It is 25 years since Jonjo O'Neill and Dawn Run rode up the famous hill at Prestbury Park to one of the most memorable victories ever at the Cheltenham Racecourse, but it is a famous Meath hill that has now taken on the Dawn Run mantle. It's not four-legged runners, but two-legged participants who run around the historic Hill of Tara, and in keeping with the spirit of the Cheltenham hero, it's at daybreak. Over 500 runners from all across the north-east are expected to take part in the annual Tara Dawn Run on the Hill of Tara on Saturday 18th June next to raise funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Beginning at 4am, the four kilometre fun-run is anticipated to grow to its largest number of participants yet to take part in this novel event, which saw the organisers don their pyjamas for the launch of the 2011 event. Now in its fifth year, the Tara Dawn Run has established itself as an event that attracts people to run around the seat of the High Kings of Ireland close to the summer solstice each June. The event has raised over €25,000 to date for Our Lady's Children's Hospital and is again raising money for the same cause in 2011. Organiser James Gibbons from Skyrne said: "Last year, we didn't get any sleep during the night before the event at all. From mowing the course to setting up the post-race barbecue, there is something to do all the time in that final few hours." Co-organiser Shay Sheridan, Dunleer, added: "This will be the biggest event yet and a challenge for everyone involved but when you see the result, it makes it all worthwhile. People can even come along this year dressed in their pyjamas if they want. We will take donations from anyone, regardless how dressed they are!" Johann Fox, corporate fundraising manager with the Children's Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, was quick in his praise for the organisers but also sent out a plea to those considering taking part: "If you think about it, you are asking people to come to one of Ireland's most historical of sites in the pitch black on a Saturday morning and run for 4km. "Credit is due to everyone who will take part and all we can say is that the hospital really needs the support of everyone in the north-east on 18th June." This year's funds will go towards providing evening services for teenagers attending the hospital as well as contributing to the expansion of the new cardiac unit due to be built in the second half of 2011. To register, log onto www.taradawnrun.com