The ninth annual Remembrance Run- the Walk or Run event that has taken place in the Phoenix Park since 2012 on the second Sunday in November-will, because of Covid-19 restrictions, be a virtual event that will give people all over the country and even the Irish abroad- an opportunity to remember in a special way family and friends passed. The first virtual edition of Remembrance Run will be run in partnership with SPAR, who have long been supporters of the event.
Remembrance Run founder, Frank Greally said: "The Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines make it impossible for Athletics Ireland to host this year's Remembrance Run in the Phoenix Park, but the Virtual Remembrance Run in partnership with SPAR will now give everyone an opportunity to Walk or Run anything from 1km to 5km in their local area at 11am on Sunday, November 8th."
He continued: "It's a unique opportunity for participants to Walk or Run a distance of their choosing on November 8th - and to think back on the precious memories of family, friends and work colleagues who have passed."
Last year's Remembrance Run, which took place in the Phoenix Park, attracted an entry of over 5,000. The inaugural event in 2012 was dedicated to the memory of the writer Con Houlihan , but every participant has a special reason for taking part.
Last year, the Forget Me Nots Choir helped launch - I'm Still Close By - a song co-written by Noel O'Grady and Frank Greally. "The idea for the song was prompted by something Fr Brian D'Arcy said at the funeral mass of another dear friend, the late Jimmy Magee, " Frank Greally said.
Towards the end of his eulogy, Fr Brian said: "As long as Jimmy Magee is remembered, he will never die- and that goes for all of us. We all have a special need to be remembered."
Those falling leaves are golden now
And golden too my precious time with you
I've gone to sleep but I'm still close by
For as long as I'm remembered I will never die
Frank Greally continued: "We will be remembering in a special way all those who have already died this year from Covid 19 and our thoughts and prayers will be with their families and friends on November 8th. We have also lost many household names who were so familiar to us over the last few years - almost like family - legends of Irish broadcasting and entertainment like - Gay Byrne, Marian Finucane, Keelin Shanley, Jimmy Magee, Brendan Grace, and so many others who spread much joy and inspiration.”
The Wall of Remembrance - has always been a central feature to the Remembrance Run and this year participants will be able to submit the names of family and friends whose names they wish to have included on the Virtual Wall of Remembrance. Last year three choirs - Gardiner Street Gospel Choir, Our Lady Of Victories and The Forget Me Nots performed in the Phoenix Park and the Athletics Ireland organisers expect to have offerings from each of them in our special Virtual Facebook Broadcast on Sunday, November 8th.
Commenting, SPAR Sales Director Colin Donnelly said, “We’re delighted to team up with Athletics Ireland for this year’s very special Remembrance Run. SPAR Retailers have been going over and above to look after the communities they serve since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. We understand how important it is for all of us to remember those loved ones who are no longer with us and we are delighted to partner with Athletics Ireland for the first ever virtual Remembrance Day Run.”
Athletics Ireland CEO, Hamish Adams took part in the 2019 event and is looking forward to continuing the tradition of remembering all those lost on Remembrance Sunday. He said, “Remembrance Run is an event that all of us in Athletics Ireland look forward to each year. We were determined to continue with the tradition of remembering those who have passed over the last 12 months, and although we can’t come together in one location this year, we hope that people will come out in their own localities and be part of this special day.”
This year's Virtual Remembrance Run supported by SPAR is a FREE to enter event, and registration is open now at www.remembrancerun.ie . You can decide on your own local route to walk or run while adhering to the latest Government guidelines relating to Covid-19.
A Souvenir Commemorative T-shirt can be purchased online during registration and we encourage everyone taking part to tag us in your Remembrance Run selfies using the hashtag #RR2020.
- Register for FREE by clicking HERE
- Further information and updates relating to the event can be found at www.remembrancerun.ie .
- Live Remembrance Run Countdown: Available on the Remembrance Run Facebook Page from 9am on Sunday November 8th
- Participants will have the option to purchase a souvenir t-shirt which will be delivered to you after completion of your walk or run.
- Click on the play button below to hear from Remembrance Run founder Frank Greally