On your marks, get set … for the Kilkenny Medieval Mile Run

The sound of thousands of pairs of feet pounding the pavements will reverberate around Kilkenny city this week as the starting gun is fired on Medieval Mile Run.

The run – a one mile dash through the historic streets of Kilkenny city – has already established itself has a firm favourite of the Yulefest Kilkenny Christmas festival runs, which is taking until January 6 next year.

This is its third year as part of Yulefest Kilkenny and the evening event continues to attract a myriad of entrants with lots more on the sidelines, cheering and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Runners, joggers, walkers and hand cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the event under the Christmas lights on the closed city streets at 7.30pm tomorrow night.

At the finish line participants and supporters will be greeted with music and refreshments as part of the festivities. There are two options for participants; a chip entry to record time and includes t-shirt, €10 (plus booking fee) or a free non timed entry, open to everyone, however pre-registration is essential for all entrants.

A key feature of the Yulefest Kilkenny festival is its community connectivity work, the Medieval Mile Run event being a community collaboration; co-ordinated by Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council and Yulefest Kilkenny. The event is supported by the PRL Group, who will be making a donation to the charity Pieta House.

Many individuals and families have already registered to participate in the event.

KRSP Sports Coordinator Nicola Keeshan said: “A key objective at KRSP is to increase participation in sport, recreation and physical activity across the population of Kilkenny.

“As well as families and individuals we are also encouraging specific groups in the area including young people, those from disadvantaged areas, minority groups, people with a disability, women, teenage girls and older adults to get involved.

“The Medieval Mile Run is a great opportunity for everyone in the community at every level of fitness to complete a mile at their own pace and to have fun doing it. Events like this are great encouragement to get started and to continue to exercise right throughout the festive season.”

PRL who have a network of strategic distribution locations across Ireland including Kilkenny are the charity sponsor this year.

Kilkenny native Michael Brannigan, Co-founder & Executive Chairman, PRL said: “The Medieval Mile Run is a great example of people who go the distance to get involved, to be active and to find enjoyment through exercise. At PRL we always go the extra mile so we are delighted to partner with Yulefest Kilkenny and the Medieval Mile Run to champion this community event and Pieta House, our 2019 charity partner.

“Pieta House provide a much needed service for individuals and families and we are pleased to be able to continue to support them and to raise awareness about the important services they provide.”

Registrations for the Medieval Mile Run are booking up fast and people are encouraged to register now to avoid disappointment.

Yulefest Kilkenny Festival Director Paula Lawler said: “The Medieval Mile Run event is the perfect active start to Christmas at Yulefest Kilkenny. Last year was great fun and even though the event booked out quickly those who were unable to register still came out to support the participants by cheering from the sidelines.

“We’re pleased to welcome PRL onboard this year and their support of Pieta House, which highlights the important work that Pieta House do both regionally and nationally. There will be a great atmosphere on the night and we promise to have you home in time to watch The Late Late Toy Show!”

To register for the Medieval Mile Run, log on to: http://www.yulefestkilkenny.ie