Youghal will be gearing up for an injection of youth this June as the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork weekend expands with the introduction of the country’s first ever IRONKIDS event.
IRONMAN Ireland today announced the addition of Ireland’s first ever IRONKIDS event to the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork weekend taking place Saturday 20 June 2020 in Youghal, Co. Cork.
The popular children’s event has been a staple at IRONMAN race weekends around the world, creating a festival atmosphere and providing an opportunity for children from in and around the host venues to be an active part of the race weekend. For the first time, IRONKIDS comes to Ireland as the town of Youghal in County Cork this year hosts the second edition of IRONMAN Ireland, Cork.
The event will take place on Saturday 20 June, the day before IRONMAN Ireland, Cork. IRONKIDS is all about participation and encouraging children towards a healthy, active lifestyle. As the emphasis is on fun and participation, every child is a winner. Each participant will receive an IRONKIDS shirt and finisher medal.
The run-only event involves multiple distances; 500m, 1000m and 1500m for children between the ages of 3 -15 years old. The routes take in the historic seaside resort town in County Cork with the Clock Gate Tower being a central focus point of the start area.
The event will start in the vicinity of the Clock Gate Tower with all participants finishing under the iconic IRONMAN finisher arch, located at Market Square – the very same arch where the IRONMAN athletes will complete their race the next day.
“We are excited to be bringing IRONKIDS to Youghal in County Cork. We believe the event will be a welcome addition to the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork race weekend, something local children can look forward to and a chance for them to have their very own event over the weekend,” said John Wallnutt, IRONMAN Ireland, Cork Race Director.
“After the unbelievable reception the event received in its inaugural year, we look forward to another exciting weekend, this time also getting to cheer our future IRONMAN stars across the famous finish line,” he added.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Christopher O Sullivan, added “IRONMAN is a huge international sporting competition and in addition to all the benefits to the region in terms of tourism and economy it also serves as a champion of healthy lifestyle choices.”
“Through a range of programmes and awareness raising events for our young people throughout the year, the Council actively promotes physical and mental health in our communities. This addition of IRONKIDS to the IRONMAN event gives us a great opportunity to introduce our children and young people to the experience of racing, the excitement of competition and the rewards of exercise and healthy choices.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey welcoming the addition of IRONKIDS, said: “The inaugural IRONMAN Ireland, Cork event last summer welcomed competitors from all over the world, showcasing East Cork as a first class visitor destination and generating an estimated €8million boost to the local economy. It’s great to see this prestigious sporting event continue to grow and this year incorporate IRONKIDS – the children’s run.”
“The huge success and continuing growth of the event reflects Cork County Council’s infrastructural investment in the region. We are also delighted to have the council’s work and its pivotal role in bringing IRONMAN to Ireland recognised with the recent short-listing of Cork County Council in the All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2020 for Best Tourism Initiative for IRONMAN Ireland.”
The entry cost is €10, and each participant receives an IRONKIDS t-shirt and medal. Entries will open on 29 January at 15:00 at www.ironman.com/im-ireland-register. Entries are limited therefore parents are encouraged to get their children signed-up as soon as possible.