Run in the Dark 2021 – We’re Virtual-ly There!
Key points:
- Despite continuing global restrictions, current 2021 entries exceed 2020 tally at same date.
- Thousands in 1400 locations around the globe have already signed up for Virtual 5k and 10k.
- Fastway Couriers join as Official Partner ensuring timely delivery of all race packs, which will be delivered in specifically designed eco-friendly packaging.
- Principal fundraiser for the Mark Pollock Trust returns on 17 November.
- Sign up at runinthedark.org
Run in the Dark returns this November – for what will hopefully mark our last Virtual run!
For the second year the run will be hosted virtually, thanks to the demand from our loyal community – current sign ups have already outperformed 2020s first virtual run, with thousands of runners and walkers across the globe ready to light up the night on Wednesday 17 November.
Participants can choose their own 5k (44% of entrants so far) or 10k (56%) route, and download the Run in the Dark mobile application to time their run and earn a place on the global leaderboard.
Run in the Dark was founded 11 years ago after the blind adventure athlete, Mark Pollock, suffered a paralysing fall. This year, running separately while connecting digitally across 5 continents, this global movement will hit the road to cure paralysis in our lifetime.
Speaking about his fundraising event, founder Mark Pollock said: “Millions of paralysed people worldwide don’t have the option to walk or to run or even to stand up but you can help change that as you join 25,000 people worldwide at Run in the Dark on 17 November. All your additional donations and fundraising will support our new charity partner Collaborative Cures to bring people together to cure paralysis in our lifetime.”
Run in the Dark CEO, Paula Cunniffe, said: “We are so very close to the end of these necessary but frustrating restrictions, but unfortunately we’ve been unable to guarantee an in-person event. However, the numbers of people joining us this year has been hugely encouraging, with Ireland’s sign ups greater than last year at the same stage. Perhaps people are fitter after a year of lockdown workouts – or maybe they’re just keen to get in shape ahead of the loosening of restrictions.
“Last year we celebrated 10 years of Run in the Dark, but this year we have a special focus on Collaborative Cures, our charity partner, and we hope the thousands of entrants worldwide can help us on our aim to cure paralysis in our lifetime.”
Speaking about the partnership, Fastway Couriers, Chief Executive Officer, Danny Hughes, said: “We are delighted to partner with Run in the Dark and play our part. I have the utmost respect for Mark and everything he, Paula and the Run in the Dark team represent. We are thrilled to be delivering the race packs across Ireland so that participants can celebrate their run with their much deserved finisher’s medal! This is a special partnership that reflects many of the values we hold so dear within our business, including our joint commitment to sustainability which will see us distribute reusable bags and merchandise, made from 100% recycled materials in a collective effort to ensure events such as this are operated as sustainably as possible.“
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Entry fee is €32 and the virtual run pack includes:
- Run in the Dark medal
- Flashing armband
- Bandana
- Time and distance tracking on the Run in the Dark app
- Online training plans
- Digital certificate of completion
Sign up at www.runinthedark.org
*No physical events will take place this year in any Irish location. Some in-person events may be possible overseas.
Spokespeople available.
For all queries: Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh, Run in the Dark / Mark Pollock Trust 089 2418808
