Running along the Atlantic’s edge
The Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon is back on Inis Mór this April – promising ceol, craic and camaraderie, while at the same time helping to raise vital funds to support patients in the Mater Public Hospital.
Participants will touch down on the biggest of the Aran Islands for a weekend of action, breathtaking natural beauty and strong sense of community, with the marathon itself taking place on the morning of Saturday, April 1.
Once again this year, the Mater Hospital Foundation and Aer Arann Islands are asking runners, joggers and walkers to join in the fun and participate in this marathon with a difference.
The organisers and sponsors are offering weekend options, one-night stays, day trip and marathon-only packages for participants and their entourag, so you can just participate in the race or enjoy a full weekend of all that Aran has to offer.
The Half Marathon itself is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering the opportunity to take in the spectacular and scenic surroundings of Inis Mór and to soak up the atmosphere, ceol and culture that the island has to offer.
This unique event raises funds for the Mater Hospital Foundation, with proceeds going to fund new equipment and projects to support staff and patients where it is needed most in the hospital.
Over the past three years, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon has raised just over €300,000 to transform and improve patient care in the Mater, which provides expert, specialist treatment to patients and their families from across Ireland each year.
The Mater Hospital Foundation was established in 1985 and today is one of the best-known hospital foundations in the country. As the official fundraising body of The Mater Public Hospital, we provide funding for state-of-the-art equipment, helping to provide the best care possible for all who need it.
Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation said that the event had become one of the true highlights of their calendar.
“The welcome our marathoners receive on the island from the residents, volunteers and the Half Marathon Committee is simply like no other and this magic weekend wouldn’t be possible without their kindness and generosity,” she said.
She said that there were participants travelling this year from the US and Canada ‘to soak up the Gaeltacht surroundings’, as well as runners, joggers and walkers from all corners of Ireland.
“If you would like to do something really special this spring, I’d urge you to sign up and take part in what will be a weekend to remember,” she added.
Aer Arann Islands MD Peter Mc Kenna said they were delighted to help to create ‘another unforgettable and enjoyable experience whilst, at the same time, raising much needed funds to purchase vital equipment for the Mater Hospital’.
“The entire route passes through magnificent coastline scenery with world famous views of wide bays and sandy beaches. So, whether you run, walk, or jog, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon is a unique and memorable experience for all involved.
"Thank you for your participation for this great cause and we look forward to flying you there,” he added.
You can get your ticket and fundraising page by visiting www.materfoundation.ie/aerarann or by contacting the Mater Hospital Foundation’s Community and Events Specialist Angela McNulty at [email protected].