Teams determined to have fun while theyre getting fit
More than 100 people from the 39 teams have turned up each Tuesday and Thursday in Columb Barracks, Mullingar and Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone to be put through their paces by Maurice Looby Fitness.
Many have taken the advice of the trainers and added an extra session to their week by going to one of Maurice’s running groups or strength and conditioning classes in Killucan, Kinnegad, Mullingar and Raharney.
“It’s great to see so many people out exercising” says Maurice. “If this event successfully encourages people to get out and exercise more than once a week, no matter where they do it, then that’s one objective achieved.
“A healthy work place is a productive one!”
Of course, the major objective is to raise funds for, and awareness of, The Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, in Multyfarnham (see cancersupport.ie; phone 044 9371971).
This year’s competition has a different format to last year’s, but the bleep test and the 60-metre sprint will be back to haunt everyone... perhaps, says Maurice.
“We’ve covered these events in training already, and while it’s still early days, there are a few companies to look out for in these events.
“Impressive scores on the bleep test were recorded by The Gardaí, Mullingar, Mergon International, Ericsson, and Mr Crumb. In the sprint there are a couple of outstanding early favourites – the title holders from 2014, Mergon International, though Trend Technology are putting it up to them.
“However, it is the team that has the best all-round fitness that will win this year’s title.”
It’s clear that some teams are determined to have fun while getting fit, from the atmosphere at training and the inventive team names. Ericsson with four teams entered, are: The Connacht Rangers, The Flamin Mongrels, The Chancers and The Aged; and American Medical Systems have gone for Elasticated Waistbands and Plan B.
There are lots of prizes this year: Tri n Run, Mullingar have donated four pairs of runners for the winning team; from KC Sports will have prizes for the male and female individual raising the most funds; and The Greville Arms Hotel has donated the team prize for the team who raise the most funds for LARCC.
It is hoped to give plenty of spot prizes out on the day, so any one out there who would like to donate a prize please contact Maurice Looby Fitness on facebook or phone Maurice on 087 2308001 .
The finals are on Saturday April 25 at Columb Barracks, Mullingar and the public are invited to attend the free family fun day, when there will be food, music and entertainment for all – go along, cheer on your team, and support LARCC.