2017
I've been involved in running and organising races for 16 years and last Sunday's JJ Reddy event was the best multi-distance, volunteer organised event I've taken part in. From the superbly orchestrated car parking as you entered to the selection of post race snacks available, not to mention the marshalling en route, the festival feel in the field, the inclusion of events for all the family...I could go on (and on...). The organisers had taken the best of what they'd seen at races up and down the country and put it into action.
There were almost 100 people taking part across all events that had trained with me at some stage in the year. To see them finish, smiling, after achieving their goals was my highlight. Without the support of Danesfort GAA club, allowing us to train around the pitches in the depths of winter, many of those wouldn't have been there at all. Hats off to Race Director Aileen Hurley and all her partners in crime, particularly Olivia Cuddihy, for getting their vision across the line, so to speak! And to every person that helped in this great event, bualadh bos agus comhgairdeachas! With a memorial like this, JJ Reddy won't be forgotten for many years. #adelesgazelles will be back next year, with an even bigger herd of runners. ."
Adele Walsh, 10K Winner, Adele's Eat, Train, Live
"The JJ Reddy Run, encourages community inclusiveness. We are all there, same gear, a pair of runners, shorts, and a top. We all have the same instrument – our bodies. Some have stepped off the couch and use the day to launch into an activity, for others it’s a serious test to maybe pull off a personal best, or indeed testing themselves before one of the late season marathons…..but we are all the same…each to their own challenge. Before the races begin, we all warm up together, facing forward the stage, stretching, limbering up……….together……..children, teens, adults, everyone! Some are smiling, some maybe a bit scared – first run perhaps……..they need not have been – the support is incredible. Regaling each other with tales from the war of sport……the finish which could have been faster, socks which ate your feet and the spandex which just let you down! At the finish…..the cheers from behind the fence are incredible and in some cases overwhelming! We are all there as a community to cheer each other on. As you arrive in Danesfort, the army of marshals, volunteers, time keepers, back room team…..are all there……….all smiling…the chat , the banter…..people you’ve never met before helping each other. Thinking last year couldn’t be improved upon…..the committee were busy! The sense of community spirit in it’s truest form was so alive…..often forgotten in these times of Iphones, Snapchat, and Xboxes! Sunday was a joy to behold. If you count the day in monetary terms – it is the best fun, best bang for buck you’ll buy this year! …….and next So get your runners on and get out there ……..you can start training now!:
"When I say, the excitement of crossing the line at the JJ Reddy was incredible.........with the exception of finishing in daylight, the excitement was every bit as positive. Add to this, how the skeleton of the JJ organisation stretches into so many different parts of the day........and.........just getting the kids of actively get off their bums.........run with their parents, friends etc........it was all very exciting. ...........and i'm not a parent! -
Tom Britton - Sponsor, Iron Man and Half Marathon Competitor
2016
“From start to finish a brilliant race...up there with the best of them....John Treacy 10 Mile, Frank Duffy 10 mile and Dublin Race Series. Hard to believe this is a small community with a small organising committee” -
Donna Dunne of Donna Dunne Fitness - Female Winner Half Marathon
“Honoured to win such a big race. Will definitely be back next year, super event, well done to all the organisers” - Mick Johnson - Male Winner, Half Marathon
“The start, marshalling, optics, right down to the parking, the amount of thought you guys put into everything just made it such a pleasure to participate in and you are a voluntary group supporting our Community” -
Tom Britton - Marble City Travel and Half Marathon participant
"I just want to congratulate you and your team on a fantastic event yesterday, it was super easy to find, plenty parking, toilets , easy number pick up, speedy set off, fantastic route, ample water stations great support it was a pleasure to run the course... I thoroughly enjoyed the day it was one of the best half marathons I have attended"
Emily O'Regan, Half Marathon Participant
