Annual fun run in Naas to raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s foundation

When local Naas man Brendan Loughlin, decided to overhaul his lifestyle, little did he know that his path to a healthier life would also have a major impact on the lives of families around the country.

After trading in his job as a truck driver to become a fitness instructor, he set up Brendan’s Running Club in Naas and the Naas 10k was born.  This annual event has continued to raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s foundation.

Now in its 11th year with both 5km and 10km options, the run has raised an impressive €47,700 to date for the charity.  Suitable for all the family, the run will once again set off from Naas Civic Offices at 2pm on Sunday September 29th

“I was a truck driver for a long number of years and overweight. I knew something had to change. I turned my life around and, over a year and a half, I lost the weight. Then I decided to study to become a fitness instructor. I got into running and set up Brendan’s Running Club to motivate others. A year after setting up the club, I decided to organise a community run”, explained Brendan.

“From the outset I wanted to support a children’s charity. I have five healthy children and I have always felt very lucky for that. So, Jack and Jill was an obvious choice for me. It was local to Kildare, but also had national clout. With that decided, I approached the council with my idea for the run and started looking for sponsors. I had never organised anything like this before in my life. The first year we had 500 runners and raised €5,000. I made mistakes, but I took the feedback on the chin and learned a lot that first year. 

Kerry Group came on board as a sponsor in the second year and have been with me ever since offering great support without looking for anything in return. The Gardaí, Naas GAA, Naas Credit Union, Andrew Cross and many others, including my family and friends who get roped in every year, have all played a major part in the event. I’m a one-man-show for a lot of the organisational part of the event, but it simply wouldn’t happen without the help and goodwill of so many people who get involved on the day to pull it all together.”

Speaking about the impact Brendan’s run has made, Alie Sheridan, Head of Fundraising at Jack and Jill, commented. “Brendan’s annual run is a perfect example of how one person’s seed of an idea can grow into something truly impactful, giving back to both his community as well as ours.  The incredible figure of €47,700 over ten years is very significant when you consider it has directly translated into 5,962 hours of in-home nursing care for the families we support.  Right now there are 414 families across Ireland including 32 in Co. Kildare under the care of Jack and Jill.  In fact, since the charity was established in 1997, we have looked after a total of 176 Kildare Families.  Those dusting off their runners and taking part on the 29th should know that their support is really helping very unwell children and their families with care and respite support.” 

Those interested in participating can register via www.popupraces.ie.  The race which will be chipped and timed, has a variety of tiered payment options ranging from a full package including medal and t-shirt to simply just paying your registration fee.  There is also a deal for family bookings, so it’s a great chance to get the whole family out moving!