12 February 2016

Report on the 5K Night Run – Faith Dempsey (4.1)

Prior to the 5K Night Run which took place on 28 January 2016, Marie Breen came into the school and gave a talk to all 4th years about this event in aid of the Irish Kidney Association (Wexford Branch) She mentioned that the run was for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.

After the inspirational talk Mr. Dempsey decided to organize a group of TY students and teachers to do the run and support the great cause. Mr. Dempsey collected the money and the forms of all the students who wished to do it and handed out the bib numbers to all interested.

On the night the group of students along with Ms. Browne, Ms. Jordan, Mr. O’Sullivan and Mr. Dempsey showed up. From the moment you arrived you could feel the enthusiasm from those of all fitness levels who were taking part. Music playing from speakers outside the marquee that the organizers had set up also gave a boost to the mood. Inside the marquee were registration tables and also a table set up with high vis vests, high vis armbands and glow sticks for participants. We took advantage of the free glows sticks and high vis armbands and made ourselves visible despite the darkness of the night. We also got a group photo with the students and teachers from Loreto. However, we didn’t get everyone who participated from the school in it as not everyone had arrived at that time. Just before the run started, the Mayor made a speech about the cause and how the organizers, when first organizing the run, only expected to have 150 people participate. This number, however, was greatly exceeded. A total of over 1000 registrations were made! After the mayor made his speech and the directions and safety precautions were announced we made our way to the starting line which was along the Quay.

You could feel the excitement levels rise as it neared 7:30pm. When the clock struck 7:30 the horn blew and the clock started. Some people were running for their lives while others just went at a leisurely pace so the run really was for everyone. The run went from South East Radio on the Quay to Kerlogue and back to the starting line through the Faythe and down the Main Street. The enthusiasm and excitement that was present before the race didn’t stop when the clock started. It continued and got stronger as the run went on. There were people playing guitars and singing at the turn off for the Faythe which helped in keeping the almost electric atmosphere alive. There were also buskers and bystanders cheering you on along the Main Street which was the final stretch before the finish line which added to people’s sense of achievement. Once you crossed the finish line there were refreshments and fruit available in the marquee. It didn’t matter if you came first or last the experience itself was beyond belief. Definitely an astonishing night was had by all!