THERE has been a huge surge in entries in the last few weeks for the annual Cara Bundoran Challenge, which takes place over the weekend of March 13-15. Launched in 2010, the Cara challenge is now in its fifth successful year and fast becoming a very popular event. Last year over 1,500 runners, joggers and walkers from all over Ireland and beyond helped raise more than €15,000 for charity. The 2015 entry is expected to break all previous records. "The Cara Bundoran Challenge is the best value participation weekend in the country," said race director Paddy Donoghue. "We have €7,000 in prizes, thanks to the generous sponsorship led by Cara Pharmacies, special bonuses for course records, a valuable goodie bag for all entrants, a special fifth anniversary medallion for all finishers, and Bundoran hospitality."
The courses for all the races are stunningly beautiful, embracing counties Leitrim and Donegal and finish along the final downhill one kilometre Rogay loop.
All funds raised this year will go to Fighting Blindness, Act for Meningitis and Shout Cancer Care. Full details and entry at www.carabundoranchallenge.com. Meanwhile, the All-Ireland Schools' Cross-Country Championships tomorrow in Clongowes Wood
College, Kildare mark the end of the winter season for most of the 12,000 young athletes who set out in the various District championships back in January.
All the action will be streamed live via the Athletics Ireland website beginning with the minor girls' race at 12pm and concluding with the Senior Boy's race at 2.40pm.