Friday, April 15, 2011

Patrick Bell Memorial 5k Road Race and Fun Run

About the event

Patrick Bell, the late clubman a dedicated club member from the running tracks to the meeting room. He died tragically in the summer of 1985 in the month of August following a traffic accident, whilst returning home from Cork having competed in the National track championships. He was only 25 years and his loss to his family club and community left a void that can never be filled. The following summer the first Patrick Bell memorial road race over 10k took place with a modest 50 taking part. The event for almost 20 years was a very high quality road race which it still remains with some of the best athletes in the country taking part and winning the event. Since 2001 the promotion has linked with various charaties to help create greater awareness and raise vital funds for their association. This years event is in aid of Whistlemount Alzheimers day care centre at Liscartan Kells road Navan

The course

The country run and walk takes in a very gentle view of the local area, starting at Bohermeen school and McLoughlins house where in October 1969 the present structure of the club was reformed. The late Patrick Bell for who the event is in memory of is buried in Bohermeen cemetery just beside the start. The route travels 1500mts to Greetiagh cross roads a slight but effective rise over the opening mile, along the way it passes the old athletic hall and school house from 1870s and Mrs Burkes old thatched house now long gone. At Greetiagh cross roads it passes the old RIC barracks burned in the 1920s and also McHughs public house. The route heads to Bohermeen bog cross roads close to the local plantation, home of many a bog man in his time. Then the course again goes left and back to the finish at the community centre past the old Langans quarry and not a stone remains. The final mile is very flat and is ideally suited to all level of runner and indeed walkers sharpening the toes for the finish line.


 http://www.runireland.com/events/26th-patrick-bell-memorial-5k-run-family-walk

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