Going cold turkey for a good cause

FOR those looking to shake off a little of the Christmas excess, the inaugural Cold Turkey 10k to the Cliffs of Moher takes place on December 27.

The 10k walk or run from the Liscannor Road car park in Lahinch to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre is organised by well-known marathon runner Alan Logue and is in aid of Cahercalla Hospice. The North Clare hotelier took part in his 30th marathon at the end of the summer after just over five years running but he won’t take part in the Cold Turkey 10k in order to concentrate on organising the event.
“I can’t do the run myself because I am organising it so it will have to be all hands on deck for that,” he said.
The event is open to people of various fitness levels. “It is a run or a walk and it is 10k so it is not the hardest feat. There is no real time limit either. We are encouraging people to concentrate more on the charity than the event itself. There is no age limit and all are welcome but there is a steep hill between Liscannor and the Cliffs so people would want to take that into consideration. It is a chipped race so those who are more competitive will be able to get their time afterwards,” Alan explained.
All funds raised through the Cold Turkey 10k will be donated to Cahercalla Hospice. Alan, who has had experience some years ago with his father Seamus being cared for in the hospice, is especially committed to the cause and is working extremely hard to maximise numbers participating on the day. While he is slow to estimate the number of people likely to take part, the accomplished athlete is hoping the event will attract a large crowd. 
“It is hard to know how many will come as it is the inaugural event. It is a local event so I think a lot of people will just turn up on the day depending on the weather but we are hoping to have 500 people doing it. We have had a strong start though,” Alan outlined.
Cahercalla Hospice, according to Alan, is a very worthwhile facility and should be supported.
“This event is to raise money for the hospice and it is something we all experience at some stage, cancer in one’s family that is, and it is vital to sustain the hospice. It provides a fundamental service to both the Ennis and Clare area. It is only when it comes to your own doorstep that you realise how important the service is and the good work they do there,” he stated.
Anyone interested in taking part can register in advance at www.eventelephant.com/coldturkey10krun or by calling the Atlantic Hotel, Lahinch on 065 7081049 between 9am and 5pm. Alternatively, registration will be open on the morning of December 27 between 8.30am and 9.30am ahead of the 10am start.
“It is a cold time of year so people should bring the essential gear to keep themselves warm,” Alan advised.