Aillwee to host Caveman fundraiser

ORGANISERS announced details this week of a particularly unusual adventure event taking place next month to raise awareness for muscular dystrophy.
Aillwee Cave will play host to the event, which will give runners and cyclists the unique experience of racing through the famous cave. The Caveman will be held at the Aillwee Cave over the weekend of October 15 and 16. The weekend will entail running and mountain biking through the Burren landscape, with the quirky addition of having part of the race hosted inside the famous cave. The event will have two stages over two days, with two running stages and two mountain bike stages, commencing on Saturday, October 15. Individuals or groups have the option to enter just the Saturday running stages, the Sunday mountain bike stages or sign up for the full weekend.
This novel event is being held to build the public’s awareness of muscular dystrophy, a collective name for a range of neuromuscular conditions that are characterised by the progressive weakening and wasting of muscles. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) provides support and information to those with neuromuscular conditions, which can affect people of any age.
At the unveiling of the event at Aillwee last week, an excited Niall Davis, a well-known Irish mountain bike specialist and recently crowned Single Speed Mountain Bike World Champion, who had just completed the course commented, “It’s a very novel thing to be riding through the cave and felt great. That combined with the stunning scenery around Aillwee makes it a really enjoyable course. I can’t wait.”
“We’re thrilled and very appreciative to the organisers of The Caveman for choosing MDI as the charity beneficiary. We’re trying to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and the unique nature of this event will help us get the word out there. Money raised will go towards the crucial respite support services provided to our 590 members nationwide,” said Amy Bramley, fundraising and PR coordinator for MDI.
In a bid to preserve and respect the beauty and uniqueness of the Burren landscape, there will be a limited number of places available for the Caveman. Only 100 runners and 100 cyclists will get the chance to take part. A further 100 places will be allocated for those who want to take part in the two-day event to win the title of The Caveman.
For more information, log on to www.thecaveman.ie.