The eighth annual Cara Bundoran Challenge was launched this week at Cara Pharmacy’s headquarters and runners are being encouraged to sign up early to avail of a discounted rate and also to ensure a space as numbers for the 2018 event will be capped.
The challenge which takes place over the weekend of March 9-11, attracts participants from all over the country and further afield as it is one of the first major running events of the calendar year. A spectacular route of country roads and wild Atlantic scenery awaits runners visiting the seaside town for the annual challenge, the main event of which takes place on the Saturday morning with the 10k and 10-mile runs.
Speaking at the launch, Cara Pharmacy joint director Canice Nicholas said: “We can’t believe it’s year eight already and that the event has come round again so quick. We are delighted to be organising it once again and are expecting this year to be as popular as ever. As a result of its popularity we have made the decision to cap the amount of participants at 2,500 to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone. Each year is a learning experience and we have taken the lessons learned from this year’s event and implemented them into next year’s plan.”
The Cara Challenge will also continue its tradition of benefiting charities both local and national. Canice adds: “Last year over €20,000 was given to four charities as a result of proceeds from the event and we’re confident that this year the same amount can be reached if not surpassed. We would invite charities in the area to apply to become our charity partner and those beneficiaries will be announced in the new year.”
Registration is now open on the website www.carabundoranrun.com with a special discounted rate available for those who register before December 31. All registration will be done online for the event with no registration on the day of the event.
Bundoran tourism officer Shane Smyth welcomed the return of the event to the town: “It’s a testament to the organising committee that this event continues into its eighth year and is as popular as ever. It’s one of the first major events of the year here in Bundoran and one that the town looks forward to each March. I’d like to wish those participating good luck with the training and we look forward to seeing you all on March 9-11.”
