Entry to charity cycle closes early after 9,500 sign up

One of the country’s biggest charity fundraisers has become the victim of its own success and is now unable to facilitate all those wishing to take part.

The organising committee of the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle yesterday said there was an “understandable level of disappointment” among hundreds of cyclists hoping to ride in the July 5 event, but who did not sign up before registration closed.

The committee decided to close online registration early as 9,500 participants had registered in record time.

Numbers have been capped for safety reasons.

“The committee understands that some people will be disappointed but such is the success and popularity of the cycle, it was always going to fill quickly,” said a spokesman.

He said they are exploring all avenues in an attempt to make more registrations available and any that become available will be re-allocated in a fair manner.

Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks on the event’s website and Facebook page, but the spokesman stressed they would not be able to accommodate everyone seeking places.

Last year, the cycle raised €1.2m for nominated charities and nine charities are to benefit this year.

The spokesman said they hoped that everyone who has not registered will appreciate the reasons for closing the registration process early.

He urged all of those who have been successful to go out and raise as much as they can for their chosen charity.

“There are nine weeks left to maximise money raised and we’re urging everyone to push to beat last year’s record,” the spokesman said.

The cycle — which takes in the scenic 180km tourist route — now has an international profile with hundreds of participants from overseas.