Lakeshore Striders geared up for the start of the new season by hosting a family games and BBQ day on the grounds of Blessington Community College.
Between juveniles and seniors, the athletics and running club is now 300 members strong and took a break over the summer months at the end of July.
Saturday’s event saw members of squads gathered to celebrate the growing club and the resumption of training for the season ahead.
“It was a great day, and we had loads of kids involved, which was brilliant to see,” said Niamh Brophy. “It was a great way of getting everyone back together before training for the new season resumes.
“All the kids had a great time over the weekend, despite the rainy weather. Head coach Shane Connolly organised a host of activities for the kids throughout the day as the kids took part in sprints, relays, high jump and long jump, turbo javelin and an obstacle course.
“A good few of our adults members attended the BBQ, and we had an ice cream truck at the end, which proved a major attraction for all the kids.”
The focus for Lakeshore Striders will now turn to The Lakes 10k on Saturday, September 12, which will also see the inaugural Wicklow Athletics 10k Road Championship take place. The race will feature top level athletes racing alongside recreational runners on what is considered one of the best 10k courses in the country.
The event is based at Blessington Educate Together National School at the end of Red Lane, with the race starting on Red Lane at 10:45am.
The course takes an undulating, clockwise route around Blessington Lakes, with more than 160 runners taking part last year.
Entries will be via PopUpRaces, and organisers are encouraging anyone considering taking part to register as soon as possible, with 330 people already registered to partake and further entries expected over the coming weeks.
The race also features a unique finisher’s medal, sponsored by Hudson Brothers.
The bespoke medal features a personalised ribbon that can be customised with an individual’s finishing time.
The medal can be worn traditionally, displayed as a fridge magnet, or used as a bottle opener, providing competitors with a memorable and functional keepsake from race day.