SUNDAY MORNING’S Hope & Dream 10, its most successful since its inception, is hoped to net over €200,000 for two local charities.

A total of 2,067 people took part in the third annual race, making it the biggest event of its kind to ever take place in County Wexford.

The outstanding turnout was a 60% increase on last year, leading organisors to feel confident that the funds raised in 2013, almost €115,000, will be widely surpassed.

In fact, if each participant raises €100, the intended target, almost quarter of a million Euro will go towards Enniscorthy’s Hope Cancer Support Centre and the Wexford branch of Console.

John O’Leary, who founded Hope & Dream 10 with Tom Herlihy in 2011, said he was overwhelmed by the level of support the event received: “It was the biggest day yet, just a fantastic day. Over 1,000 people turned out to cheer everyone on and the weather conditions were perfect in terms of running.
“The community spirit on the Prom was a sight to behold. It really brought the town together on the day and even in the months leading up to it.”

Mr. O’Leary said he attributed the huge increase of people signing up this year to an improved strategy: “We had a better marketing programme, with The Echo and with South East Radio, which was a huge help. Also, there is huge support out there for the Hope Centre, and for Console, which was a new charity for the race this year.

“Raising money for these charities is a huge incentive for people to get involved. I would say 95% of people have their own personal reasons for running. Most people have been touched by an experience that inspired them to sign up. It’s not your standard race; each participant has a story.”

Full story in this week’s Echo.