Kells to be a sea of pink for second breast cancer walk

More than 600 entrants have now signed up for the second annual Kells Pink Ribbon Walk, which takes place this Saturday at Girley Bog. The sponsored 10km event starts in the grounds of Drewstown House and takes place around the scenic surroundings of the Girley Eco Bog walking trail. The run will start at 2.45pm sharp and a walk at 3pm. All entrants must sign in beforehand and collect their race number. Personal trainer, Sidney Brito, will lead the crowd in an aerobic warm-up, while DJ Paul Duffy and the LM/FM outside broadcast unit will provide on-site entertainment. Celtic Tenor, Matthew Gilsenan, will be on hand to serenade the runners and walkers at the starting line, while RTE broadcaster Bryan Dobson and TV personality Barbara McMahon will be at the finish line to present medals to participants. The participating runners and walkers aim to raise much-needed funds for Action Breast Cancer. The Headfort Arms Hotel is sponsoring a pre-collection night from 7pm to 9pm on Friday where participants can drop in to the Blackwater Suite and collect their race number and donate sponsorship money - and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or tea/coffee. Participants can also hand in their sponsorship money on Saturday at the collection point. They are asked to place their cash or cheque (payable to Kells Pink Ribbon Walk) and sponsorship card in an envelope, with their name clearly labelled on the front. All walkers must have registered in advance as there will be no facility to register on the day. Drewstown House is located about 8km outside Kells, on the Mullingar Road. The route will be clearly signposted (by following the pink arrows). Drewstown House will be open from 1pm. There is very limited parking available on-site. Participants are strongly advised to get dropped off, to car pool or to take the free shuttle coaches provided. There will be ample car parking in Kells behind the Town Hall - in the Town Council and Headfort Arms car parks. The organisers have arranged large coaches to ferry people to Drewstown House. The coaches will depart from 12.45pm at regular intervals, with the last bus departing from Kells at 2pm. The coaches will return again to Kells immediately after the event. The Girley bog is looking its loveliest at this time of year, but it is important to remember that this is a nature and cross-country trail, so wearing comfortable footwear is advised. Due to the nature of the course, it is not suitable for children under 16, wheelchairs or buggies. It's also a wildlife reserve, so dogs are not allowed. Participants are asked to 'think pink', wear the race t-shirt and accessorise accordingly or go the whole hog with fancy dress, digging out cerise tights, wigs or feather boas! As an incentive, Propét Footwear is kindly sponsoring a pair of shoes for each member of the most colourful team on the day, as well as the most individual costume. There are also Propét prizes for the fastest runners (male and female), the highest individual fundraiser and the highest team fundraiser. There will also be generous spot prizes. All participants will also receive a free burger (sponsored by the Headfort Arms Hotel), bottle of water (sponsored by Arc Royal) and an ice cream (sponsored by SuperValu). Participants are invited to write the name of the person or people who inspired them to walk the walk on a piece of ribbon - over 700 metres of pink ribbon will be used. Kells will be a sea of pink next weekend, with shop and bar staff also wearing pink t-shirts and up to 800 pink balloons decorating the town. There will be special offers and live entertainment in the local bars and restaurants after the event.