COVID-19 will not keep us standing still…. The GT5K 2020 is here and this year it’s virtual!
We want to keep our workforces healthy and running around the country, so for the first time in 2020, the GT5K will run across the whole island of Ireland on the 14/15/16 August.
This year we ask you to #DoItForDementia as the registration fee will be split between Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and supporting up and coming athletes.
This year we invite you to register as a team* or an individual, run your best 5K over the weekend of 14–16 August and register your time and watch the leaderboard. GT5K 2020 invites corporate teams, family teams, sports club teams or the individual runner to take part, compete and do if for dementia.
In a year where all charities will struggle we are delighted to support Alzheimer’s in Ireland in advocating, empowering and championing the rights of people living with dementia and their communities.
The event also supports the development of young athletes with Athletics Ireland’s junior high performance programme, enabling them to reach their full potential.
When you register you will receive a virtual goodie bag (received event week) and an option to buy a GT5K run technical running jersey to add your collection – or start it!
*team is to be made up of 4 runners, team categories are male, female or mixed
Can't run this year's GT5K? You can still support Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland by donating here.
Logistics of registering and recording times:
- Log on to https://eventmaster.ie/event/8veF7qTV1
- You can choose to run as an individual, create a team for your company or join an existing team
- Record your best 5k and submit by 12:00 midnight on 16 August
Chosen Charity - The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
This year our chosen charity is Alzheimer’s society of Ireland, the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. The society work across Ireland in the heart of communities providing services and supports and advocating for the rights of people living with dementia and their carers.
Their vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported.
Each year over 4,000 people in Ireland develop dementia, 1 in 10 of those is under 65.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341.
About Athletics Ireland
The GT5K series is organised by the national governing body Athletics Ireland whose mission is to support and develop the athletes of Ireland of all ages, disciplines and abilities.
As an association one of its core strategic objectives is to promote health and fitness in the population as a whole and this event enables them to reach beyond their core membership into the business community by encouraging them to focus on a fitness programme which targets a 5k run which is a good starting point for novice runners.
In addition to funds received from the Irish Sports Council, Athletics Ireland generates 50% of our own revenue to support its programmes. Grant Thornton’s sponsorship of this event allows for funds generated to be channelled into their Junior High Performance Athletics programmes. These programmes provide support and expertise to close to 100 of our emerging young athletes to help them to fulfil their potential.
Contact us
For any queries, please contact roadraces@athleticsireland.ie
#5K4D Challenge - Running 5K a day for a year
Will McCann talks to us about his #5K4D Challenge and how it came about.
Back in early March, the Grant Thornton Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee had Amy and Joanne in from The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, Grant Thornton’s chosen charity partner, to give us an information session on the society, what they do and how they raise funds. With my mum having dementia, I attended the session to learn more about Alzheimer’s., I knew they had previously done cycling events to raise funds, so at the end of the session I had a chat with Amy and Joanne and asked if they were doing any cycling events this year and was told they decided not to, as last year was low in numbers. I then discussed doing a number of Cycling Sportives to raise funds which they thought was a good idea, so I had a plan to cycle four events with a friend coming up in May and June.
Find out more about Will's challenge and donate here
Virtual GT5K FAQ's
What is a virtual Race?
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. Depending on the event it can be completed over a specified duration or on a specific day.
Where can I enter the Grant Thornton Virtual 5k?
You can find all the details here: https://eventmaster.ie/event/8veF7qTV1
How much it is to register?
Entry €10 + booking fee, with the option to purchase a t-shirt: https://eventmaster.ie/event/8veF7qTV1
Where does my registration fee go?
The registration fee will be split between the event charity partner, the Alzheimer’s society of Ireland and Athletics Ireland’s youth athletics programmes.
Who can take part?
The Virtual GT5K is open to anyone over the age of 18.
What are the distance options?
Just like the physical event, this will be a 5km virtual race. More details can be found here: https://eventmaster.ie/event/8veF7qTV1
Can I still run as part of a team?
The Virtual GT5K offers the chance to run as an individual, or as part of a four-person team. You can choose to set up a team or join an existing team during registration.
Why not create a team with some of your work colleagues, teammates, friends or family, and enjoy some healthy competition while supporting a great cause.
Where can I complete my Virtual Run?
You should plan your run/walk route before starting your event. The run/walk should only be completed on footpaths/pathways or also on pathways within public parks. Please follow government guidelines and exercise within the advised distance from your home.
Can I run with a buggy, dog, scooter etc.?
No, it can be unsafe to run with a buggy, dog or scooter.
I have never competed a 5k before?
If you're new to running, we have sample training programs available on the Athletics Ireland website.
- Beginner to 5km Training Plan: https://www.athleticsireland.ie/runzone/recreational-running-tips/beginners-to-5km/
When will my T-shirt arrive?
If you purchased an additional item, these will arrive after August 16th, for more information you can contact RW sports at: ronan@myrunresults.com
How do I submit my time?
To submit your time, you must login into your Eventmaster booking and select the ‘submit race time’ option. There you will be able to input your time and provide a proof of that time also. The URL field is optional. This video will show the steps involved in submitting a race time : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLBsXcOLAO0&feature=emb_title
What proof of my result can I upload?
You can upload a screen shot of your time with distance taken from your phone if you used an app such as Map My Run or Strava or this can be a picture of your GPS watch used to track your walk/run.
Make sure your proof shows your time and distance run.
What apps should I use to track my run?
There are several app available such as Strava, Map My Run, Nike Run, and Run Keeper.
How do I take a screen shot of my result and upload?
To take a screenshot on an iPhone : https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200289
To take a screenshot on a phone with Android : https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075928?hl=en
How many times can I submit a time/enter if I want to try improving my time?
You can submit your time just once.
Where can I see the results?
Over the event week, there will be a live leader board available to view. Details of where to find this will be available on the event social media channels throughout the event week.
How are team results calculated?
Team results will be calculated by adding together the 4 team member times. Team results will be under three categories, All Male, All Female and Mixed.
Can I run for my club?
Yes, you can enter as a club team, however, club membership is not required for this event.
Is there a charity involved?
Yes, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland are the charity partner for the 2020 Virtual GT5K.
Virtual GT5K Social Media
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/grantthorntoncorporateteamchallenge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/grantthorntonie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/grantthorntonie/
Additional Queries?
Please contact roadraces@athleticsireland.ie
