Waterford...Launch of the Dungarvan 10 race

The official launch of the 'Quantum Life' Dungarvan 10 mile road race took place last week. The numbers taking part in this race have grown substantially in recent years. Next year however, there will be one major change....anyone interested in doing it MUST pre-enter! They will NOT be taking entries on the day of the race.
The race will take place on Sunday, the 31st of January 2010 which is slighty earlier than the usual February date.

The text of the launch is shown below...

19 TH ANNUAL QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 LAUNCHED. At a press launch and photo shoot last Wednesday evening at Dungarvan Sports Centre, West Waterford Athletic Club announced details of their 19th Annual Dungarvan 10 Mile Road Race, sponsored again in 2010 by Quantum Life. In the presence of deputising Dungarvan Town Mayor, Cllr Ann Marie Rossiter, Mr Mel Shanley, of Quantum Life (sponsor) announced his continued support of the event and said he was delighted to be associated with such a well organised race.

West Waterford’s Club Secretary, Norma Wall, thanked our loyal sponsor and spoke of how the race has grown hugely in recent years with a large increase in the numbers participating year on year. Adding to the popularity of the race is the fact that it is race number two in the popular Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series and also race number two in the John Buckley Sports Munster Classics. Norma said the event has now become a must run race on the Irish road running circuit and is attracting participants form all four corners of the country and beyond. The club’s road racing coordinator Gerry Cantwell announced some very important details about this year’s race. The Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 will take place on Sunday 31st January 2010, starting at 1.00pm. Gerry went on to say that with the increase in numbers participating the organising committee have decided that the race will be a pre-entry event only with an entry cut off date of Monday January 18th 2010. No entries will be taken after this date and no entries will be accepted on race day.

The race headquarters will again this year be at the Dungarvan Sports Centre located at Quanns in the town centre. Tom Keith, Centre Manager, who was also in attendance at the launch, spoke of his delight at being involved in such a successful event. The town’s sports centre is the hub on the day for this popular event. Along with the key sponsors of the race Quantum Life, West Waterford Athletic Club are delighted with the local support from the towns governing bodies Dungarvan Town Council and Waterford County Council. Deputising Town Mayor Cllr Ann Marie Rossiter spoke of how the local authorities are delighted to be involved with the race.

West Waterford Athletic Club have not alone put the club name to the fore in the athletics world, but also the club have done good for the town and local businesses, hotels, B&B’s, etc, all benefiting from such an event. Indeed Cllr Rossiter went on to speak of the many races that the local club hold over the year all bringing a huge influx of people to our beautiful town. Mel Shanley finished by saying that the event brought together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who compete over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan and as sponsors we look forward to an even bigger and better event on January 31st next. RACE DETAILS.There will be a total prize fund of €3000. The first man and woman will receive €400 each with an additional €250 bonus for breaking the course record. Cash will be on offer to all category winners and everyone who takes part in the event receives a dry fit running shirt and a substantial goodie bag. Last year’s event attracted a top class field and was won by Sandis Bralitis West Waterford AC who finished the race in 51.36 . Rose Mary Ryan of Bilboa AC collected a hansome cash bonus recording a new course record 57.27 when taking the Ladies title. The entry fee to this prestigious race is €20. Entry forms can be obtained from the West Waterford club website by logging onto www.westwaterfordathletics.org or alternatively you can register online via the same website. Participants are asked this year to note that the event is a pre registration race only with the closing date for online and postal entries Monday January 18th. All race numbers will be posted out the week prior to the event, and there will be strightly no race entries on the day. Teas, sandwiches, showers and changing facilities plus the presentation of prizes will all take place at Dungarvan Sports Centre. The course for this year race will remain the same starting at the Youghal Road, The course is a very flat fast course and is noted for the personal best times recorded by many. With the recent surge of interest in running for health, fun and fitness in the country presently, a big turn-out on the day is guaranteed. With the success of West Waterford’s 'Fit4Life' running leagues and groups along with the country’s longest running winter league which aims to introduce newcomers to the sport and to the fun of running, the race organisers are particularly keen to see as many of these Fit4Life group members as possible take part in the race on Sunday January 31st .

Along with all the above and the elite field expected, it should be a really great day for athletics in our town and there will definitely be a place in this race for everyone.We're really looking forward to seeing runners of all standards and our promise is that everyone will be made welcome. Remember get your entry in before January 18th . For further information please contact James 086-8184762 or info@westwaterfordathletics.org