Local runners and walkers will be taking to Ormeau Park, Belfast to raise money to help with the continuing aid effort in Haiti. The event, a 5 kilometre fun run will be taking place on Sunday 31st January 2010 starting from Ormeau Park at 11am. Organised in conjunction with ‘Befast 4 Haiti’, all proceeds will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee.
One of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, Haiti suffered a massive earthquake, followed by several less powerful aftershocks in the last week. With over 72,000 reported dead, the lack of infrastructure and total devastation has led to a desperate need for international help. ‘Belfast 4 Haiti’ was set up in the aftermath of the earthquakes by local musicians wishing to help in any way they could. As a result, they have organised a day of gigs in Limelight, Katy Daly’s and Spring and Airbrake featuring over 50 bands. Again, all proceeds are going directly to the DEC.
The charity run is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, one of the organisers, Austin Tanney said “We want everyone to come down and walk or run. I’m expecting mums and dads pushing prams, toddlers and dog walkers. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part”. With many of the organisers getting involved through Twitter, it is a great example of the community spirit of the people of Northern Ireland as well as how social networking can be used to its best advantage.
Entry price: £10 per adult, £5 for under 16’s, £20 for families. Registration for the race will be online, race packs and numbers will be given out on the day from the Ozone Complex, Ormeau Embankment, Belfast.
For more information and to register for the race, visit www.belfasthaiti.com Registration will also be available on race day, from 10am until 10.45am. Updates will also be posted on Twitter (http://twitter.com/Belfast4Haiti5k). Monetary donations can also be made online by going to http://www.justgiving.com/belfast4haiti.
For more information, visit www.belfast4haiti.com, email race@belfast4haiti.com or call Lorraine Anthony on 079 3639 1996, email Lorraine_anthony1@hotmail.com or Austin Tanney on 077 9583 4121.
- The race will consist of several laps of Ormeau Park. At no time will participants be on roads or will traffic be disrupted- a map of the route is available on request.
- The concerts will be taking place on the same day, entrance is £10. More information can be found on www.belfast4haiti.com.
- Photo opportunities and photographs of organisers will be available on the day, please contact us for more information.
- The registered charity number is 1062638 and contact address is DEC Haiti Earthquake, PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA
