The annual Run and Walk for Solas is set to bring a huge Sea of Orange to Waterford next month, with registrations already reaching a whopping 1,000 participants.
Now, with an estimated 3,500 people expected to take part across two days, organisers are making a special appeal for around 200 volunteer stewards to help make the popular fundraising events safe, enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
The Run and Walk for Solas takes place in Dungarvan on Saturday, October 10th, followed by Waterford City on Sunday, October 11th.
All money raised goes directly to the Solas Cancer Support Centre, helping to ensure its services and supports remain entirely free for people affected by cancer and their families.
Could You Volunteer for the Sea of Orange?
Stewarding is being described as a lovely way to become part of one of Waterford’s biggest community fundraising events, with volunteers encouraging participants as well as helping to man locations along the route.
And there is no need to worry about being placed at a busy junction.
Gardaí will cover the busier locations, while volunteer stewards will be positioned at easier points along the routes, with organisers stressing that there is no pressure on volunteers on the day.
Friends who register to steward together can also be kept together at the same location, where possible.
With thousands of runners and walkers taking part, organisers say it is a particularly enjoyable morning to be involved in.
Stewards have the chance to cheer on and encourage participants as the famous Sea of Orange makes its way through Waterford and Dungarvan.
Dungarvan Steward Details
Stewards taking part in Dungarvan will meet at Walton Park at 9am on Saturday, October 10th for a briefing before being allocated locations along the Greenway.
The event is expected to finish at approximately 12.30pm.
Waterford Steward Details
For the Waterford event on Sunday, October 11th, a special Stewards Briefing will take place on Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm and will last for approximately one hour.
Stewards will then be allocated a location along the route and asked to arrive at a designated time on the morning of the event.
Most stewarding locations will operate between approximately 9.30am and 12.30pm or 1pm.
Registrations Continue to Grow
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa this morning as the iconic orange t-shirts begin landing with those who have already registered.
Each participant who registers receives the famous orange Run and Walk for Solas t-shirt, along with an exclusive finisher’s medal.
Participants can choose between events in Dungarvan, Waterford City, or a Virtual option which can be completed at a time and date that suits them.
There are several options available at each location, including an Adult 10km Run or Walk, U18 Run or Walk, Adult 4km Walk and U18 4km Walk.
Adult entry costs €25, while U18 entries cost €15.
With registrations already at 1,000 and thousands more expected to take part over the October weekend, Solas is now hoping people across Waterford will also consider putting their names forward to help steward the event.
It could be the perfect opportunity to grab a friend, spend a morning outdoors and play your part in keeping the Sea of Orange moving, while cheering on thousands of people raising vital funds for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.
Listen back to Tracy McDaid’s interview with Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa for more details on the Run and Walk for Solas and the call for volunteer stewards.
