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HomeDairy#Run1000 event: Team Ireland raising funds for Embrace FARM
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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#Run1000 event: Team Ireland raising funds for Embrace FARM

Five nations have teamed up to inspire rural communities to take to the countryside to help improve their mental health as part of #Run1000 event.

The challenge is calling on people to sign up to be part of one of five teams – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the rest of the world.

The competition, which will take place from January 1st to 31st, 2021, will see each team run 1,000 miles with the nation that reaches the milestone first, announced the winner.

#Run1000 event

A team captain will lead each nation, and a private Strava group will record the collective running distance.

Sheena Horner from Scotland founded the idea: “I got back into running at the beginning of 2020 by participating in my local ParkRun.”

“When lockdown prevented the local community from meeting weekly, I started running on my own but I quickly realised, that, for me, ParkRun was not just about my fitness, but also the social interaction with others.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, we have all faced challenges with the pandemic and for many, this has had a significant impact on our mental health.”

“We wanted to demonstrate through #Run1000 that we are all facing this together and that you may not be able to physically meet, but you can be part of an online community.”

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Funds for charities

As well as helping personal mental health, the initiative will raise awareness and funds for charities that have been impacted by the lack of fundraising events due to Covid-19.

The £20 joining fee will be divided equally between five charities, selected by the team captains – The Farming Community, Embrace Farm, The Do More Agriculture Foundation, RSABI and DPJ Foundation.

Charles Anyan, England team captain believes now is an important time to support these charities:

“Mental health is a big problem in agriculture and these charities unite all our #Run1000 nations as they are at the forefront of the battle. They work tirelessly to pick us up when we fall. They do a remarkable job.”

How to take part in the #Run1000 event

To take part, visit http://www.agri5nations.com/, click on your team and make your £20 contribution. The team captain will be in touch with joining details.

“The challenge is open to anyone that would like to get involved, whether you run 2 miles or 20m every contribution is invaluable to helping support our chosen charities.”

“Our captains are all quite competitive, so I am looking forward to some fun rivalry during throughout the month,” Sheena concluded.

Team captains:
  • England- Charles Anyan: farmer who founded the Strava club, Running Farmers
  • Ireland – Peter Hynes: farmer and founder of Ag Mental Health Week. #TackleYourFeeling ambassador
  • Scotland – Sheena Horner: chilli farmer and freelance consultant who founded #Run1000
  • Wales – Emma Picton-Jones: teacher and part-time farmer. Founder of the DPJ Foundation Mental Health in Ag charity.
  • Rest of the world – Jason Medows: rancher in Missouri, America and founder of Ag State of Mind, a blog and podcast focussing on mental health and the agriculture community.
Team Ireland

Peter Hynes, team captain, and Aisling Meehan, vice-president, are urging the public support Team Ireland, which has raised over €3,400 for Embrace FARM, in the #run1000 event.

Hynes, a Cork dairy farmer, stressed that participants can either run or walk and “every mile counts for the team”.

To make a donation to Team Ireland’s JustGiving page, click here.

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