Waterways Ireland Officially Launch Kilcock “10 From 10” Race

Athletics Ireland and Waterways Ireland were on hand to officially launch the second running of the Kilcock “10 from 10” race which takes place on August 18th.  The partnership between Athletics Ireland and Waterways Ireland seeks to promote physical activity on the many trails and facilities across the Waterways Ireland system.  Athletics Ireland programmes like The Daily Mile supported by INEOS and Irish Life Health” continue to utilise these Waterways Ireland facilities which help to promote improved levels of fitness, health and wellness across all ages.

(Pictured Kilcock Parkrun Official John Ryan & Damian McWeeney, Events Programme Manager for Waterways Ireland)

Later this year, we will see the first section of the Royal Canal Greenway open to the public - 130km of walking and cycling path will be completed, stretching from Maynooth, through Mullingar and on to the River Shannon at Cloondara, County Longford Town. The  existingRoyal Canal Way towpath in Kilcock has already proved a hugely popular local amenity and has recently seen the introduction of Parkrun which takes place every Saturday morning. This section of the Royal Canal Way will also be used as the home straight for the Kilcock “10 from 10” which is hosted by local athletics club St.Cocas. The unique event takes place 10 weeks out from the Dublin City Marathon and is the perfect prep race for anyone looking to take on the 26.2 miles in October.  All finishers can look forward to a T-shirt and medal, as well as a prize fund of over €2,500 thanks to local sponsors SuperValu Kilcock and Millerstown. Waterways Ireland will also be supporting the event with a prize for the fasted final mile while takes place along the Greenway.

Speaking at the launch Barry Pender, Recreational Events Manager for Athletics Ireland said “We are delighted to continue our work with Waterways Ireland to promote physical activity on the their many trails and facilities on the inland waterways. Athletics Ireland shares a vision with Waterways Ireland to get people moving and it is great to see events such as the Kilcock “10 from 10” utilise these facilities.”

Waterways Ireland manages, maintains, develops and promotes over 1000km inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. A key focus of Waterways Ireland is inspiring more people to discover and enjoy recreational activities on the inland waterways, and to explore the rich environment and heritage attractions.

Damian McWeeney, Events Programme Manager for Waterways Ireland - “Waterways Ireland are delighted to continue working with Athletics Ireland to encourage people to see inland waterways as a fitness and recreational opportunity. Through Athletics Ireland programmes such as The Daily Mile and Fit4Life, as well as recreational events such as the Kilcock “10 from 10”, we hope to further encourage people stay fit and health for life.”

Waterways Ireland has seen a huge increase in the number of recreational and tourist users on and along all the waterways in recent years and with the provision of the Greenway and Greenway trails, they have now created even more opportunities for people to try new recreational activities.

These waterways are accessible, free, and the perfect setting to get in your daily dose of exercise.

Further information on available routes can be found at www.waterwaysireland.org.