Cyclists urged to sign up to Kerry fundraiser quickly

Intending participants in one of the country’s top charity fundraisers have been urged to sign up swiftly as the numbers are limited to 9,000, for safety reasons.

Registration is now open for the 180km Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle on July 5.

Online registration has been officially launched by the organising committee in Killarney and this year’s partners include the Irish Examiner, Radio Kerry, Skoda, and Lidl.

Last year, cyclists raised over €1m for Kerry charities.

Many disappointed cyclists had to be turned away last year and, given the current uptake of online registrations, the committee expects registration to be closed well before the initial projected date of June 1.

Cathal Walshe, a spokesman for the cycle, said people should register as soon as possible. Participants must pay a minimum donation of €70. They can choose to raise additional money, if they wish, by downloading a sponsorship card.

The sign-on, on July 4, will be enhanced with a faster IT system, manned by extra volunteers, that will reduce queuing.

All money raised through the online registration is divided equally among nine charities: Ard Curam Day Care, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Irish Red Cross, Kerry Hospice Foundation, Kerry Parents & Friends Association, Kerry Stars, Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, Pieta House, and Valentia Island Cottage Hospital.

Contact details for each charity are available on www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. A festive atmosphere will prevail during the cycle weekend, with different events being organised.

Register for the cycle at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie