The national launch of the Sionnach Relay, Ireland’s First Overnight Team Relay Event, recently took place at The Bank on College Green in Dublin. The event, hosted by Race Directors Liam Dwyer and Patrick McCarrick was supported by rugby greats Sean O’ Brien and Leo Cullen who are firmly behind the concept with Cullen saying that he believes it provides a significant but achievable challenge to runners of all abilities and fitness levels

In celebration of its award of the prestigious title of European Town of Sport for 2014, the inaugural Sionnach race will be set against the beautiful backdrop of Sligo and participants will benefit from the town’s great sporting amenities and tourist-friendly facilities. Inspired in part by relay series held in the USA, such as Hood to Coast, Reach the Beach and the Ragnar Relay Series, and based on a hub and spoke system, each team runs four carefully selected loops. Open to teams of runners of all abilities, the challenge comprises an 8-person relay covering 274kms over a 24 + hour period.

If a runner can complete an 8km run then they are fit enough to take part in the Sionnach Relay. While the active team member is out running the rest of the team will enjoy the best of Irish live entertainment at the hub. Entertainment is to include modern cover bands, traditional Irish music as well as poetry reading and other cultural activities.

In cooperation with JustGiving, the event supports the Irish Cancer Society as its official charity and runners raising over €100 will receive a special commemorative medal for their efforts with additional special prizes for the top individual and team fundraisers.

Patrick McCarrick (Race Director) said “the event will showcase the very best of Sligo to the international running community and we have been bowled over by the support we have received from the County Council, the Institute of Technology and local businesses, all of whom have been extremely positive and helpful in making the Sionnach Relay a reality”.

Go to www.sionnachrelay.com to view the explanatory video and to register now!