Stage set for annual North Westmeath road race

North Westmeath Athletic Club’s annual road race, the Castlepollard 5k Road Race – aka ‘The Tullynally Challenge’ – takes place on Wednesday August 15.

The race will start at 8pm on The Square and go out the Pakenhamhall Road, through the grounds of Tullynally Castle and back to the finish at Castlegrove Estate.

The success of the race depends on help from a lot of people, from the Gardaí, Westmeath Civil Defence, the refreshments and registration teams, who ensure a smooth operation, plus the Race Marshals and club members who guard the safety of both the competitors and the public who attend or take part in the event. If you would like to assist as a steward, contact Martin Fagan, chief steward - 087 415 1266.

However, it is the sponsorship from the local businesses and private individuals which has ensured the success of the race over many years and the club is indebted to them for their continued support.

The clubs hopes you may wish to be associated with the event, which promotes fitness and well being, resulting in local children winning many medals in the Westmeath Community Games Finals and Schools Cross-Country.

Why not walk, jog or run the Tullynally Challenge on August 15 or if you fancy a bit of baking, a tray of buns would be greatly appreciated by the Refreshments Committee.

The club plans to have a host of prizes for top finishers, plus many masters categories – over 35 to over 70, also U16 and U20 cash prizes. There will also be medals for all finishers, both juvenile and senior, with a special offer of sponsored T-shirt for the first 150 entries online at Primo Promotions/myrun results.

This year, the plan is to hold the U6, 8, 10 races on the grass part of The Square and the U14 and U16 on an 800m and 1,600m (one mile) course around the Glen, starting and finishing at the Credit Union.

Of course, the organisers are not forgetting the adult walkers and jog walkers who will also receive prizes.

Many runners from Westmeath, Meath, Cavan, Dublin, Offaly and Longford, from seven up to over 70 will take part.

So if you are in or near Castlepollard on Wednesday, August 15 why not come out and give a great welcome to these special visitors to Castlepollard.