In celebration of the 13th Waterford Viking Marathon, we are thrilled to announce a collaboration with St. Mary’s Athletic Club Ballygunner to organise a Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, June 21st, at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre (RSC) at 10am.
This special event is designed to inspire the next generation of runners and foster a love for movement and fitness in a fun, supportive environment. The Children’s Fun Run will feature a variety of age-appropriate distances, ensuring everyone can get involved:
- 200m for 6–8-year-olds
- 500m for 8–10-year-olds
- 1km for 11–13-year-olds
- 2km for 13-year-olds
To register for this event, visit www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com.
A Legacy of Athletics and Community
St. Mary’s AC Ballygunner, a cornerstone of athletics in the Waterford region, first formed in the 1980s under the leadership of esteemed coaches Shay Fitzpatrick and Martin Hearne (RIP). Over the years, the club has produced exceptional athletes, including Ollie Power, Aoife Hearne, Fergal English, and Siobhan Fitzpatrick, who achieved success at both national and international levels.
After closing its doors in the early 2000s, the club made an inspiring comeback in 2024, thanks to the determination of its original members. Fuelled by a shared passion for athletics and a commitment to nurturing local talent, the club has been revitalized, offering track and field disciplines ranging from sprinting to hammer throw. St. Mary’s AC is now dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming community where every athlete’s individuality is celebrated.
“We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Viking Marathon Children’s Races,” said Elizabeth Power for St. Mary’s AC. “We hope to share our love for the sport and inspire all participants and their families to embrace movement, exercise, and fitness—no matter their ability.”
Get Involved and Train in St. Mary’s AC
St. Mary’s AC welcomes new members of all ages and abilities to join their thriving community. The club trains twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM at the RSC, and offers a range of disciplines for athletes to explore and enjoy.
For more information, contact St. Mary’s AC Ballygunner at:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Instagram @stmarysacballygunner
📱 Twitter/X Ballygunnerac
📱 Facebook St. Mary’s Athletic Club Ballygunner
Let’s come together on June 21st to celebrate the 13th Waterford Viking Marathon, inspire the next generation of athletes, and continue building a strong community of movement, fitness, and joy.
Aoife Kirwan (Hearne) CHAIRPERSON /PRO/LEVEL 2 SPRINTS COACH
Nichola Tighe (Hayes) SECRETARY LEVEL 2 SPRINTS COACH
Sinead O’Donnell (Fitzpatrick) TREASURER LEVEL 2 THROWS COACH
Siobhan Corcoran (Fitzpatrick) REGISTRAR/ LEVEL 2 JUMPS COACH
Liz Colclough (Power) CHILDRENS OFFICER /LEVEL 2 ENDURANCE /WALKS COACH
Fergal English LEVEL 2 JUMPS COACH
