553 take part in Memorial Run at St Luke’s Home, Cork

On a perfectly still, warm and dry Thursday evening, 7th September, St Luke’s Home, Cork hosted its 3rd Annual 5K Memorial Run.

And they’re off!

Established in 2015 as an event for remembering residents who have died, the Memorial Run has been sponsored for 3 years by local companies RCI and RDJ (Ronan, Daly Jermyn, Solicitors) who, between them, cover the costs and the prizes. This means that every €10 paid by 553 participants, along with donations, goes directly to improve and enhance quality of life for residents at St Luke’s.

This year was made even more special as, due to the excellent weather condition some of the residents themselves took part, in their wheelchairs, flanked by volunteers. This made the event very personal and showed participants who they were helping. The impact was palpable.

Residents took part

Marion Heffernan (left) and Rob Heffernan stand in for a photo with a carer and a resident at the start line.

Set on their way by famous duo Rob and Marion Heffernan, the runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants took off on the Skehard Road, making their way up to Blackhall Place and then down onto the pedestrian walkway which took them all the way around the line, finishing at St Luke’s Home.

Reverse role for Rob Heffernan – he was starter of the race.

The prize-giving followed in Northridge House, at the Home, with all participants (including residents!) back on time for the presentation! The winning male with an amazing time of 14.56 was Chris Mintern, followed by Mark Hoey in 15.36 minutes and Michael Bruton in 3rd position in 15.46 minutes. Laura Crowe was the fastest female with a time of 16.15, followed by Sinead O Connor (16.57) and Emma Murphy (17.05). Category prizes were also presented and of course a prize for Jerry Forde the winner of the wheelchair athlete category for the 3rd time!

This Memorial Run brings all stakeholders involved in providing services to residents at St Luke’s together in a fitting, fun and visible way. Already everyone is looking forward to next year!