Charity challenge for all abilities

The 11th Burren Charity Challenge takes place on December 27 and offers walkers, runners and cyclists the perfect way to fight the festive bulge.
The challenge consists of a 5km or 10km walk, a timed 10km road race, a 37km bike race taking in Corkscrew Hill and the coast from Blackhead to Ballyvaughan or a duathlon, including a 37km cycle, followed by a 6km run.
The charities to benefit from the event are the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard and the Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic.
“There is something for all shapes and sizes, abilities and attitudes, not to mention generations,” explained organiser Fergus Glynn.
There is an entry fee, which includes a t-shirt and post-race refreshments but organisers promise “very substantial discounts for families and groups”.
“We’d absolutely love to see as many of you there as possible. Those of you that have been there before can vouch for the irreproducible Burren Challenge atmosphere and let’s face it, it is what brings you back year after year for more punishment. As veterans well know, it doesn’t end with the finish line. In truth, many would argue that the fun really only starts there,” Fergus outlined.
“There’s hot soup and sandwiches in the bar directly after the event, during which a not-so-serious awards ceremony holds court. Finally, there is the post-race party in Monk’s bar, which is always worth staying around for,” he continued.
The event takes place in Ballyvaughan on Tuesday, December 27 from 1pm. Registration takes place at Monk’s Restaurant at 11am.
The Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic was founded in direct response to the medical needs of the village of Cape Maclear/Chembe village in Malawi. The clinic provides primary medical care on an out-patient and in-patient basis to a population of 15,000 rural dwellers. It is the only medical service in the area and, to date, more than 130,000 patients have been seen at the clinic.
“I actually visited the clinic in the summer of 2009 and so I can speak with a certain credibility on how and where the monies will be spent. The political and economic situation in Malawi has deteriorated significantly since then so we are really urging people to donate.
“Download a sponsorship card from www.burrencyclingclub.com, which also contains comprehensive event information or call into the medical centres at Corofin or Ballyvaughan, where the cards are available at reception and raise as much money as possible between now and the big day. Alternatively, turn up on the day and empty your pockets while you register,” Fergus urged.