A total of 1,300 people are set to take part in a charity race, the Gingerbread Run in Portarlington on Sunday.
Each year the event is getting bigger and has more than doubled in size in recent years.
This year there are two races, the 10k race and the 21k race.
“We believe we have one of the best races in the country” said one of the organisers, Wesley Reilly.
He said they have kept the event to 1,300 people and have had to turn hundreds of people away.
All the money raised will go to two worthwhile charities this year, Laois/Offaly Families for Autism (Loffa.ie) and Aware.
“The race is organised by 3 of us myself, Mark Neilon and Richie Hart whilst still doing our own full time jobs.
“We also get lots of great help from others on the day and others quietly assist in the background,” Wesley said.
“Each year we try and improve the race, and hopefully this is noticed year on year as we learn and take on board feedback from entrants. We know we aren’t perfect but we strive to get there,” he said.
The race came about after the organisers were involved in a 900km triathlon in 2013.
“That nearly killed us and we only raised €7,000,” Wesley said.
Last year, the run raised around €9,000 for local charities.
Sponsor
“The proceeds could be bigger, only we don’t have a headline sponsor,” Wesley said.
They would be delighted to hear from any prospective sponsors and can be contacted through their Gingerbread Run page on Facebook.
He added that they have been very lucky to have local sponsorship of signs along the road.
Motorists are being asked to avoid Station Road and Canal Road on Sunday between 11.30 and and 2 pm.
Blakes Bridge is also expected to be particularly busy as the race crosses their twice and will take in Emo, Mountmellick, The Rock and then pass by Garryhinch and Portarlington Golf Club.
Wesley said there will be a lot of volunteers helping during the day, particularly people from LOFFA.
He also thanked NCPS for allowing the participants to park at Portarlington Train Station.
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