UK – South Down RRT Supports Mourne Way Marathon Charity Event

Every year hundreds of enthusiastic runners set to the rugged terrain of the Mourne Mountains in the name of charity. The Mourne Way Marathon is Ireland’s biggest off-road running event that raises money for many different charities and causes throughout UK and Ireland.

South Downs RRT

South Down RRT from Warrenpoint were contacted by events management company 26extreme in view of participation in this event taking place on Saturday 7^th June. With just four days’ notice, South Down RRT committed themselves to support those making the sacrifice for charity in this marathon.

The marathon consists of a variety of different events such as; a 52 mile ultra-marathon, half marathon, 50k marathon and many more. At the start of the day runners faced fiercely wet weather conditions making the terrain wet, boggy and slippery even when the sun eventually shone later in the day.

Marathon participants ran in difficult weather conditions

With 21 enthusiastic volunteers throughout the day, South Down RRT were tasked with managing food stations in the depths of the Mourne Mountains. Their task involved hydrating exhausted runners with fresh water and sustaining them with light snacks along the course.

The Rapid Relief Team also donated over a thousand bottles of water that were handed out by our volunteers to rehydrate the exhausted runners as they crossed the finish line. Further snacks were handed out by the team. RRT volunteers also assisted runners in removing their champion-chip timing tags once their times were up on the scoreboard.

After the last surge of runners RRT assisted in clean-up and litter picking throughout the finish line venue at Kilbroney Park.

Charities that there supported in this event are as follows:

• Oxfam Ireland
• Action on Hearing Loss Northern Ireland
• Bóthar Northern Ireland
• YMCA
• Cardiac Risk in the Young
• Diabetes Ireland
• Run For Autism HAND
• MAC – Making A Change
• Marie Keating Foundation
• Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice
• Northern Ireland Hospice
• Make – A – Wish UK
• Meningitis Research Foundation
• Sea Shepherd Ireland
• Special Olympics Connaught
• Southern Area Hospice Services
• A Dog’s Life
• Irish Cancer Society
• ISPCA
• ENDOMETRIOSIS ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND

South Down Rapid Relief Team greatly enjoyed the day, it was fantastic to see so many, families, the young and old having fun.

RRT would like to thank the runners for their support, the many charities involved and 26extreme for the great day and opportunity to help such a worthy cause.