Tuesday 19th May 2009: Close to 2,500 walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities took part in the annual Docklands Fun Run. An estimated €12,000 was raised for the designated charity, Irish Autism Action.

The first man over the finish line was Paul O’Connell, last year’s winner, who completed the 8 kilometre run in 25 minutes and 51 seconds.

Peter Mooney was second with a time of 27:50, followed by Brian Coleman in third place at 27:54. Caitriona Jennings was the first woman home, at a time of 30 minutes and 2 seconds. The second woman over the line was Florence Curley with a time of 32:02 and third was Fionnuala Keane at 32:34.

Music was played from 6.30pm and a group warm-up stretching session took place before the runners and walkers took off at 7.45pm.

This year’s route took participants around the Docklands, starting in Grand Canal Square, through Ringsend, over the East Link Bridge and past The O2 building. The route then continued up the quayside to the Matt Talbot Bridge, where they crossed over to the southside quays to finish up back in Grand Canal Square .
Paul Maloney, Chief Executive, Docklands Authority, said “We were delighted with the turnout on the night, the highest in the history of the Docklands Fun Run. Congratulations to all those who took part.”

Irish Autism Action was established in 2001 and campaigns for the rights and entitlements of people with Autism. The charity also acts as a valuable information and advice resource on a range of topics. For further information visit www.autismireland.ie

Photo by Brendan Moran/ Sportsfile.