Greencastle ‘5’ will mean more than ever to McCullagh family

PROCEEDS from this year’s Greencastle 5 run will be donated to the neurology department at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, after the founder of the popular local festive fundraiser underwent major surgery to remove a brain tumour earlier this year.

Oliver McCullagh has been the main driver behind the Boxing Day spectacular since 1986. Over the previous 35 years, it has attracted thousands of runners and raised tens of thousands for a plethora of charities.

But this year’s fundraising effort will come a little closer to home for the Greencastle man, following the successful operation to remove the tumour from his brain.

In recognition of the outstanding work of surgeons and those who cared for him, all monies raised at the popular annual run will be donated to the neurosurgery/neurology department at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

And while, understandably, Oliver has taken something of a back seat in organising this year, he will be present on the day.
Meanwhile, the organising baton has been handed over to others, including Oliver’s son Conor.

Subject to restrictions being imposed by the Northern Ireland Executive, he insists it’s largely business as usual in terms of the race itself with the exception of a few added measures to ensure the safety of all those taking part.

“Now that daddy is off the batter we are only realising this year how much he did in getting the race organised,” Conor said.

“There are men and woman running here, there and everywhere getting things done and collecting stuff, we didn’t know half the things my dad was at!

“Even this year he had a lot things already set up, like teams for car parking, timing and marshalling… that sort of thing.”

Conor said some changes and precautions had been introduced to make the event as safe as possible without really affecting the race itself.

“Basically, it’s going to be the bare-bones event,” he added.

Last year’s race was run six days before the full lockdown that was imposed on Boxing Day. It had a significantly-reduced field.

Tomorrow’s race will return to the normal format and will accommodate all types of runners, from elite athletes to the run-for-fun variety, walkers and everything else in between.

Among the elite athletes already confirmed to compete is Mid Ulster’s Grace Carson, last year’s ladies’ winner who is targeting a new course record in 2021.

“Grace wasn’t too far away last year and she has the record in her sights this time,” added Conor.

“We would encourage participants to book online if at all possible. If they do that it means no handling of cash and runners can turn up, pick up their race pack and they are good to go.”

The main event gets underway at 12noon, with walkers setting off at 10.30am.

Race packs will be available outside, and not indoors as they were in the past. Refreshments will not be available and there will be no prizegiving as such. Prizes will be posted out later.