350 break sweat in Dawn Run for children's hospital

Over 350 runners from all across the region took part in the annual Dawn Run on the Hill of Tara last weekend to raise funds for the Children's Medical & Research Foundation at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Beginning at 4.30am, the five kilometre fun-run grew to its largest number of participants yet as people travelled from all across the north-east and beyond to take part in this novel event. Now in its fourth year, the Dawn Run has established itself as an event that attracts people to run around the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland close to the summer solstice each June. The event raised over €13,000 in 2009 for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, and is again raising money for the same cause in 2010. Local organisers James Gibbons from Skyrne and Shay Sheridan, Dunleer, Co Louth, were earlier than most in arriving. "We didn't get any sleep during the night at all. From mowing the course to setting up the post-race barbeque, there was something to do all the time. This was the biggest event yet and a challenge for everyone involved, but you see the result and it makes it all worthwhile. One of our biggest challenges was to find enough red sauce for the barbeque!" said James. This year's funds will go towards the refurbishments ongoing at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, in St John's oncology unit and St Michael's respiratory unit. Details on the final amount raised will be announced in the coming weeks.