Breffni Challenge moves up a gear

Get ready because Cavan’s biggest cycling and running event is just around the corner! The Breffni 3 Province Challenge is set to take place on Saturday, July 30, and organisers promise it will be bigger and better than ever, writes Michelle Taite.

The event, which has raised more than a million for cancer charities over the past two decades, sees an average of 750 entrants each year. The challenge provides five different route options to suit people of all ages and fitness levels.

Event secretary, Carol McEnerney is sure it will be a big hit for all involved and is encouraging people to register.

“I first came to Arva in 2005 and I took part for 10 years. It’s great fun. There’s a camaraderie amongst people when they’re on it. Everybody chats to everybody. It’s a test but, at the end of the day, we’re raising huge money for charities.”

In addition to providing a day out for all the family, the challenge raises money for three different charities - St Luke’s Oncology Trust, Breast Cancer Research Ireland and Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care.The Arva based event reached an incredible milestone after one of their most recent events. “We reached one million back in 2018!” says Carol proudly.

The Breffni 3 Province Challenge is now in its 21st year and has seen a lot of changes through the years.

“It started off in 2001 as a cycle from the Phoenix Park in Dublin to Arva. The second one was a charity football match and we had footballers from all over the country. In 2003 it turned into a walk, run or cycle,” Carol outlines its evolution. “In 2015, we decided to change it to start and finish in Arva.”

The two most competitive categories include the 100km cycle through three provinces, and the half marathon run. Entrants in each of these categories will be chip timed and prizes given to the first three home in each event.

The remaining three categories, which are not timed, include a 30km cycle and a 10km and 5km family fun run.

One of the young participants who was present at the launch in the Breffni Arms on last Thursday evening was James Miney (17), who specialises in steeple chase running.

He currently runs the 3,000 meters and is a student in Moyne Community College. The son of Oliver and Ger Miney, he sees the challenge as both a training opportunity and a social event. “I will go out there on the day and run to enjoy it”, he said.

At the launch, one of the organisers Leah O’Donnell thanked Eamon and Philomena Gray for all their support and sponsorship. Long-time organiser, Philip Brady said

they were lucky to have a hotel of the calibre of the Breffni Arms in the town.

He also thanked all the various people who worked behind the scenes on organising committees and he estimated that up to 40 people are involved.

“We are happy to continue with funding in the cancer area, as it is still unfortunately a very prevelant disease in our country.

“We would like to remember anyone who passed away in those intervening 20 years, that was in anyway associated with the Breffni Challenge - we particularly remember those families at this time,” said Philip.

Organisers find many people return each year to the Challenge: “The event brings a wonderful atmosphere to the town over the holiday weekend. I would like to thank all the stewards who assemble on the day from all over the region and I would like to acknowledge their contribution.”

All participants will receive a medal, t-shirt and certificate to commemorate their achievement. Once the event has ended, organisers are keen to give the entrants some much deserved TLC. Everyone will be welcomed back to the Market Square to a delicious barbecue, great music by Eddie Quinn and street entertainment with Gerry Brady on the mic!

There will be a memorial board on the square and people who lost loved ones along the way can pin a note or photo on the board.

Registration for both the 100km and the half marathon costs €30 for adults. The other events are slightly cheaper with adult registration costing €25. Children who wish to partake in the 5km fun run will have to pay €10 and there are also discounted family rates available.

Online registration has now closed but entrants can still register, in person, on Friday, July 29, from 7-9pm at St Patrick’s Hall Arva, or on the day of the event. For more information, visit www.breffni3provincechallenge.com

So, whether you are a hard core athlete, or just want to spend your Saturday going for a relaxed stroll with friends and family, you’re sure to enjoy this day out.