Annual Kilbride School Race a win for inclusion and fun

Dear Sir - I think that when you’ve been doing athletic events for a few years you realise that they fall into different types. The very big events are interesting in their own ways but to my mind they tend to be anonymous and impersonal. People turn up in club, training or family groups, do it and go away. Often there are problems of travel, parking, limited refreshments etc.

To me much better types of events are the smaller, local ones. They tend to be fundraisers organised by enthusiastic volunteers, they are much more sociable, easier to get to, nice refreshments (home-made sometimes).

While the Trim AC Braveheart race fits into this category and always gets tremendously positive feedback, the Kilbride School race is outstanding. OK, it is well organised, has a very pleasant rural route, timed by pop-ups etc. But what is really unusual about it is, its inclusivity.

You obviously get the 16/17 minute 5km runners at the top of their game doing their thing, down to ones taking twice that or more to run the distance. You also get older adults walking it, and gossiping their way around, buggies and babies aplenty, and some groups of dog walkers (is that cruel?).

But perhaps, as it is a school event you also get a very large number of youngsters. Some run it very well but I really admire the ones who entered not really knowing what’s ahead of them and are shocked to a standstill by 1km. Nonetheless they finish. There is also a fair-sized contingent of tiny tots going around on bicycles who will doubtless sleep well that night. Inclusivity is definitely the word - everyone can do their own thing while helping the school. Well done.

Yours

David Hawcroft, Trim AC.

PS: The Kilbride 5K takes place on Sunday 19th May with registration at Dunderry GAA Club at 10am and Race commencing at 12pm.