The Great Pink Run Returns for a 10th Year
The Great Pink Run with Glanbia is back for the 10th year, this October 17th and 18th 2020, with the aim of raising funds to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes. With Fitbit as silver sponsors, the event will be virtual this year, in recognition of social distancing protocols, with participants encouraged to run, walk or jog either a 5k or 10k, in their own local communities that weekend.
It is hoped that the event will attract thousands of women, men, and children from all over the island of Ireland, and further afield as this year’s virtual event aims to turn the globe pink. The circumference of the globe is 40,700 km and we are calling on as many as possible to register. Everyone who registers receives a commemorative 10th Anniversary Great Pink Run T-shirt and medal as well as a face mask and a personalised race bib.
Sporting legend, and Great Pink Run Patron, Sonia O’Sullivan, who has been involved for the past seven years will continue to support the event, along with her daughter Sophie. They will be joined by former international rugby player and pundit Shane Byrne, Irish rugby international Josh van der Flier, Virgin Media broadcaster and Breast Cancer Ireland Ambassador Elaine Crowley, as well as social media and TV personality James Patrice, his mother Veronica Butler and influencer, Niamh Cullen along with thousands of families and friends who have been impacted by the disease.
Over 45,000 people have taken part in the Great Pink Run since it began in 2011, raising over 2million euro which has helped support pioneering research fellowships across Ireland – ultimately aimed at developing new and more effective targeted therapies for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and fulfilling the charity’s mission to transform this disease, from often fatal, to a treatable illness that can be maintained long-term.
10,000 people took part last year alone in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, for the first time overseas in Diversey Harbor, Chicago and also in Kilkenny Castle Park, where the event was supported by Aut Even Hospital, who are once again on board as associate sponsors for a fourth year.
Commenting on the 10th year of the Great Pink Run, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, Aisling Hurley says, “We are thrilled with the success of the Great Pink Run over the past ten years and while we are disappointed not to be back in the Phoenix Park, Kilkenny Castle Park or in Chicago, we are hopeful that the strength of our pink movement, which has raised so much to fund important research and awareness programmes nationally, will make significant impact this year once again and will help us change the landscape of this disease into the future.” She added, “We have changed the dial on this disease, significantly, in the past ten years with survival rates improving, mortality rates reducing annually but more importantly every patient, now diagnosed, gets their own personalised and tailored treatment plan. We have lots done but sadly more to do to transform this disease from often being fatal into a treatable illness that can be maintained long term.”
Between 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable according to the World Health Organisation which claims that regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, can help reduce cancer risk.
Martha Kavanagh, Glanbia Head of Corporate Communications comments, “We are immensely proud to once again be involved with the Great Pink Run, albeit in a virtual format this year. It is fantastic event that supports the pioneering research work of Breast Cancer Ireland. As a nutritional business we understand the importance that a healthy lifestyle plays in the fight against cancer and many of us in Glanbia are getting back into training and look forward to welcoming and creating a competitive challenge with our colleagues all over the world for this year’s Great Pink Run.”
Commenting on their silver sponsorship for the first time this year, Lucy Sheehan, Marketing Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland at Fitbit, says, “At Fitbit we are dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more active lives and are excited to be involved with the Great Pink Run this year, to support all of those who are taking part. In sponsoring this event we are supporting Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research to help raise awareness and transform this disease from a terminal illness to a manageable diagnosis. We believe that staying physically active is important for everyone and can benefit both cancer patients and those in recovery.”
Breast Cancer Ireland aims to transform the landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment through ongoing pioneering research that will ultimately transform this disease from often being fatal into a long-term treatable illness. Registrations are now open at www.greatpinkrun.ie. The cost of registration is €15 + the cost of post and packaging.
