Over 400 companies encompassing over 1600 individuals are busy preparing for the Grant Thornton Corporate 5k Team Challenge which takes place this Thursday 6th of September at 7.30pm in the Dublin Docklands.
Business advisors Grant Thornton and Athletics Ireland have combined to create this new event in the heart of Dublin’s business district which is aimed at encouraging social running amongst Dublin’s business community in the International Financial Services Centre.
Certus, Accenture, Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland, Vodafone, Duel Ireland and IPB Insurance are just a few of the companies that will take to the start line.
It is clear that the social aspect of running is booming with many of the companies competing, entering multiple teams. Certus-the bank outsourcing company are leading the way on this by entering 12 teams signifying that there is a strong running community within the business.
The 5k course will follow a flat, fast route around Dublin’s Docklands and will include two bridge crossings: The Samuel Beckett and the Venerable Matt Talbot structures that span the River Liffey. This is a team event with the four participant’s times from each team counting towards the overall result. There will be prizes on offer for the top five teams in the Male, Female and Mixed categories and all entrants will receive a souvenir technical t-shirt and a goody bag.
Colin Feely, Partner with Grant Thornton, said. “We are really looking forward to tomorrow night’s event; the concept has caught the imagination of not just our own employees but many of the other companies in the greater Dublin area. The race signifies that there is a real running boom amongst the business community and we are looking forward to a great evening of racing.”
Athletics Ireland CEO John Foley commented “We are delighted with the big numbers entered in the event. It is clear that the social aspect of running is alive and well amongst Irelands business community. The team aspect of the event has really resonated with the companies and we look forward to providing a fantastic evening of competition and entertainment for all involved.”
The race will be started at 19.30pm by event ambassador Olympian and former London Marathon winner Catherina McKiernan
“It is great to see so many teams entered for the race. It shows that team events like this are a great way to attract people into running. The 5k distance is a very manageable distance and one that all the participants will enjoy.”
Participants are invited along to the pre-event warm up at 19.20 which takes place on the start line. The race starts at 19.30 and there will be light refreshments including tea/coffee and sandwiches available for all participants afterwards. A contribution of each entry fee will be made to the charity St Vincent de Paul which also has teams entered.
