August is the month to get active in Longford!

The month of August is a good time to get out and active and Longford County Council have a number of initiatives to encourage people to get enjoy physical activity in the open air.

The Longford Trail Run Series 2023 is a chance to explore and run, in nature. The series will see a 5K run take place at 7.30pm on each Wednesday evening during the month of August. The runs will take place at a number of locations across the county.

The first is the Royal Canal in Longford Town which takes place today (2 August). This is followed by; Corlea Bog (9 August), Derrycassin Woods (16 August), and Newcastle Woods (23 August).

Registration for participants is online via myrunresults.com.

There is a nominal cost of €8 associated with each run. Runners can also choose to pay €15 to receive t-shirt and medal per run or complete all four runs with t-shirt and medal for €30. This activity is in association with Longford Athletics Club.

The Summer Walking Series 2023 is a for those who prefer a more leisurely activity. Eight walks will take place at 6pm every Monday and Wednesday throughout August. The first started last Monday (31 July). Participants can join in for as many walks as they wish. However, those who complete all eight walks will receive a free Walking Trail Challenge t-shirt.

Registration is free and can be done on Tickettailor.com

(tickettailor.com/events/ longfordsportspartnership).

The next walk is today (Wednesday, 2 August) at the Royal Canal Longford. This is followed by:

Monday, 7 August Commons trail Lanesboro, Wednesday, 9 August – Corlea Bog, Monday, 14 August - Bri Leith Ardagh, Wednesday, 16 August - Derrycassin Woods, Monday, 21 August - Cairn Hill, Wednesday, 23 August - Newcastle Woods.

The final initiative is to engage with those in possession of two X chromosomes. The HER Outdoors Week inspire girls and women to embrace the outdoors, with many activities taking place. The week also aims to raise awareness of the benefits of being outside for physical and mental wellbeing.

HER Outdoors Week takes place from August 14 to August 20. Register for free at tickettailor.com