Children put best feet forward for Fun Run

TWO young Dublin families put on their running shoes yesterday to launch the first ISPCC Fun Run to raise money for the charity’s services for children.

The inaugural annual Cheerios ISPCC will take place in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Sunday August 28.

Yvonne Cooper and her children Adam, four, and Megan, 17 months, joined Valerie Pierce and her children, five-year-old Sophie, three-year-old Luke and 18-month-old Amelia, to practice their sprint for the finish line.

The money raised from the event will go towards the ISPCC's total fundraising target for the year of €4.17 million which will fund services including Childline and child mentoring schemes.

Joanne O'Leary, senior divisional organiser with the ISPCC, said: "We're always looking for new ways to raise money and we wanted to give something back to our sponsors."

There will be a 2km course at the Papal Cross, Phoenix Park, which people can run or walk, as well as novelty races, bouncy castles, goody bags and prizes.

The day will kick off at 10.30am with breakfast sponsored by Cheerios and after the run which is at 12.30pm competitors will get half price entry to Dublin Zoo.

"Anybody can run the race, it's an achievable challenge," Ms O'Leary added.

She said the charity was hoping to raise in the region of €15,000 to €20,000 from the Fun Run.

"It's our first year and we're hoping to attract around 300 families," she said.

To register for a Fun Run registration pack call the hotline on 01-679 4944 or email [e-mail].

Entry fee is €50 per family (two adults, two children), €10 per adult and €5 per child.