Grant Thornton’s 5K Series returns for its 12th edition with races in Dublin and Cork

Olympian Derval O’Rourke is back as national race ambassador

Grant Thornton Ireland has today announced the return of the GT5K Corporate Team Challenge, with races taking place in Cork and Dublin later this year. Back for its 12th edition, the GT5K series, which is aimed at encouraging social running amongst the business community, has become a mainstay on the social running calendar each year. Also returning as national race ambassador for this year’s series is three-time Olympian Derval O’Rourke, who is partnering with Grant Thornton Ireland for the event for the third year in a row.

Speaking on the official launch of the GT5K series today, Derval O’Rourke said:

“I am delighted to be once again the national ambassador for the GT5K and where better to kick off this year’s series than Cork City! I know the GT5K team have some great plans for the night and participants can expect this year’s series to create an even bigger buzz around the city so I encourage everyone to get their entry form in early!”

The first race of this year’s GT5K series will take place on Tuesday June 13th in Cork, with race registration officially open as of today! The Dublin event which takes place on Tuesday 26th September will open for registration soon with full details to be announced over the coming weeks.

The event welcomes participants from across the country of all abilities, from seasoned runners to complete beginners. Each run can be completed individually or as a team, with four participants on each team. Team members’ times are combined to determine the winner in each category. There are three categories; male, female & mixed.

Speaking about this year’s event, Michael McAteer, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton Ireland, said:

 “We’re delighted to see the return of Grant Thornton’s GT5K series now in its 12th year! For over a decade now we have been encouraging people, particularly those in the business community, to get out and get active, and it’s fantastic to see the support grow year on year.”

“Corporate wellbeing is really important to us at Grant Thornton, and events such as these give our employees, and the wider business community, the opportunity to get away from the desk and into the fresh air. The option to take part as a team is especially beneficial to co-workers who get to build and work together as a team while also staying active, and all for a good cause.”

Speaking on the launch, Hamish Adams, Chief Executive of Athletics Ireland, said:

 “We are very pleased to see a return of the Grant Thornton GT5K races. Grant Thornton’s sponsorship of this event allows for it to support Children in Hospital Ireland as well as supporting our Junior High-Performance Athletics programmes. These programmes provide support and expertise to close to 100 of our emerging young athletes to help them fulfil their potential.”

All participants will receive a virtual goodie bag and branded GT5K T-shirt with a chipped numbered bib that will digitally track their performance.

 

2023 Charity Partner

Children in Hospital Ireland is the preferred charity partner for the GT5K race series, and Grant Thornton Ireland as well as Athletics Ireland are delighted to be supporting them in the very important work that they do for sick children and their families.

Children in Hospital Ireland works to promote a positive hospital experience for all children by mobilising over 500 volunteers to facilitate play and respite, daily in 14 children’s hospitals around the country. For over 50 years we have been working on behalf of families and carers facing childhood illness, to ensure they can access the supports and services they need.

For registration and more information visit: https://www.grantthornton.ie/gt5k/

 

About Grant Thornton      

Grant Thornton Ireland has over 2,500 people in 7 offices across Ireland and a presence in over 143 countries around the world, we bring you the local knowledge, national expertise and global presence to help you and your business succeed – wherever you’re located. We deliver solutions to all business challenges. Clients choose us because the breadth of financial and business services they need is available, delivered innovatively and always to the highest standards. At Grant Thornton we are committed to long term relationships.      

For further information visit: grantthornton.ie      

 

About Athletics Ireland

The GT5K series is organised by the national governing body Athletics Ireland whose mission is to support and develop the athletes of Ireland of all ages, disciplines and abilities.

As an association, one of its core strategic objectives is to promote health and fitness. This event enables participants and those in the business community to reach beyond their core membership. Encouraging those involved on their fitness journey.

In addition to funds received from the Irish Sports Council, Athletics Ireland generates 50% of our own revenue to support its programmes. Grant Thornton’s sponsorship of this event allows for funds generated to be channelled into their Junior High Performance Athletics programmes. These programmes provide support and expertise to close to 100 of our emerging young athletes to help them to fulfil their potential.