Event will find Ireland’s fastest professions and county! World champion hurdler Derval O’Rourke and former world champion and Ireland’s best known miler Eamonn Coghlan were on hand today to launch the inaugural SPAR Mile Challenge at the Irishtown Stadium in Ringsend. The SPAR Mile Challenge, which will be one of the biggest participation events in the country during 2007, will take place in 27 venues across Ireland on the 7th of July. Coincidentally the Irish mile record was set on that date 25 years ago by Ray Flynn. The event has been created to encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to run a mile on that day, whether it is for charity, for a challenge or just for fun with friends and family. Those running for charity can select their own or opt for SPAR’s chosen charity which is the Irish Hospice Foundation. All those who compete will be accurately timed and graded to show what category of runner they fall into from novice to expert. The grading scheme is based on the colours of the rainbow with the fastest runners in the red band all the way to the violet band. It is hoped that by introducing people to running in such a fun and community environment that it will help to raise the overall level of fitness in the nation. Every participant’s time will be recorded and the information collated on the day will give an interesting insight into the fitness of the nation. The results will tell us, what is the fittest county in Ireland, what is the average time in each age group and what it is the fittest profession. Participants can compare themselves to others of similar age in their county or across the country. Brendan Hackett, CEO of Athletics Ireland, sees this as a great chance to get the nation out running “The SPAR Mile Challenge is all about fun and getting people involved in running at a very informal level. We hope to see families, friends and work colleagues competing together and challenging themselves. This is an event that is within everybody’s reach,” Hackett said at the launch. Peter Kealy, CEO of SPAR Ireland, said “We are delighted to announce the launch of the SPAR Mile Challenge on the 07/07/2007. SPAR already has a strong association with athletics through the SPAR International sponsorship of European indoor and outdoor championship events and of course our own sponsorship of world champion hurdler Derval O’Rourke. With SPAR’s retail focus on healthy eating in our stores in makes sense that we should also promote activities that help to keep customers fit and active. The SPAR Mile Challenge does just that and will be a great event for participants at all levels of fitness. Truly, it is not about winning but about being involved, for you and your family and friends”. Those looking to take part in the SPAR Mile Challenge on the 07/07/07 can pick up a leaflet in their local SPAR store or register online at www.sparmilechallenge.com/. Venues Antrim – Antrim Forum Carlow – St. Laurence O’Toole Track Clare – Ennis Cork – Ballincollig Cork – Bandon Cork – Mitchelstown Cork – CIT Track Cork – Mardyke Track Donegal – Letterkenny Dublin – Esker Track, Lucan Dublin – Irishtown Stadium, Ringsend Dublin – Morton Stadium, Santry Dublin – Tallaght Track Galway – UCG Track, Dangan Kerry – Castleisland Kildare – Newbridge Kilkenny – Scanlon Park, Kilkenny Limerick – University of Limerick Arena Mayo – Ballina Meath – Navan AC Track Monaghan - Beech Hill, Monaghan Offaly – Tullamore Harriers, Tullamore Tipperary – Templemore Waterford – RSC, Waterford Westmeath – Mullingar Wexford – New Ross Wicklow - Greystones