On Saturday, June 13th, runners can join Sonia O’Sullivan, former world champion and Olympic silver medallist, in a 5k race to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her win in the 5,000m at the IAAF World Championships in Gothenburg in 1995.
The race will start and finish at Dún Laoghaire harbour, in south Dublin, and everyone who finishes will receive a replica of O’Sullivan’s world championship gold medal. O’Sullivan likes the idea that it will make all participants feel like world champions on race day. “I really am looking forward to being able to look back and celebrate one of my greatest track achievements with those who enjoy running as much as I do,” she says.
“The Sonia 5K is about highlighting the importance of taking time for personal health and wellness,” says Tom Finn, chief executive of Euromedic Ireland, the title sponsor of the race. According to John Foley, chief executive of Athletics Ireland, “Sonia has inspired a generation of athletes to believe that Irish people can be world class.”
Athletics Ireland is organising the Sonia 5K race in partnership with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. The Irish Times is the media partner. Entrants can collect their numbers in Elvery's at Arnotts on Henry Street, Dublin 1, on Thursday and Friday, June 11th and 12th. Entry is €25; see sonia5k.ie
To sign up for Get Running, a series of three online running courses designed by Mary Jennings for beginners, improvers and people who want to stay on track, see irishtimes.com/getrunning. Our eight-week beginners' programme will get you from a brisk walk to running 5k in 30 minutes.
