The art in creating a great event lies in making sure that all the smaller elements that make up the sum of the parts are well thought through and executed.
There are an increasing number of options for runners to participate based on a particular theme, and many of these are sponsored or designed to accommodate commercial needs. The Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, Samsung Night Run and Dublin Staff Relay have all come to life only in recent years and all are increasingly a popular and effective way of engaging the running population.
The Remembrance Run which took place on Sunday in the Phoenix Park is one that is not designed for sponsorship or with commercial interest in mind but which has the potential to grow into a match for the biggest and the best of the rest.
The concept is to run, jog or stroll a 5KM circuit of the park in memory of someone near and dear who has passed away. On Sunday that simple idea drew a crowd of 3,000 to celebrate the life and memories of people that meant a lot, in a manner that brought together young and old.
Dermot Furey’s wife Moira passed away last December. It was a devastating blow to him, his three children and their many friends and extended family. On Sunday Dermot brought together 300 friends and family to honour her memory through an activity that has helped him through an experience that few have to live through at such an early stage of life.
“The Remembrance Run has a really powerful feel to it,” he said yesterday, speaking to Sport for Business. “There are many events where the energy levels are high and where you are pumped up at the start.” Here we had a moments silence and there was not a single sound among the starters, friends and family.”
“It was the little touches as well that made it special. A small candle in the goody bag that runners were given. A special area for those family who wanted to be there but were unable to run themselves.”
“Small things that made up into a very special day and a way in which we felt right in both remembering Moira and raising money for St Vincent’s Hospital.”
The timing of the Remembrance Run is important at this time of year when traditionally, those who have left us are remembered, and before the emotional jolt of Christmas when family is stylised and the guilt of another year without contact is brought back to the fore.
This event provides a meaningful way to pay respects, to bring together families and friends and to spend time remembering the good times.
“Remembrance Run is a unique event and Athletics Ireland must be commended for organising such an outstanding production that touched so many people in so many ways,” said Minister Jimmy Deenihan who ran in the race to remember the journalist Con Houlihan who passed away in 2012 and whose name is carried on the race trophy awarded to the winner.
“The event has huge potential and it is great to see that this year’s Remembrance Run 5k received over double the entries that the inaugural event had last year. It is surely an event that is set to become even more popular in the years ahead as people relate their experience of participating in it.”
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