The countdown is officially on for one of Waterford’s biggest and most anticipated community weekends of the year. The Run and Walk for Solas returns this Saturday and Sunday, bringing communities together to raise vital funds and show support for the incredible work carried out by the Solas Centre.

Whether you are aiming for a personal best on the 10k or prefer a more leisurely 4k stroll, there is an option for everyone across the county next weekend.

Event Details At a Glance

  • Saturday, October 10 (Dungarvan): Kicks off at 10:00 AM from Walton Park. Choose between the 10k and 4k walk/run options.
  • Sunday, October 11 (Waterford City): Kicks off at 10:00 AM from the Quay. Featuring 10k and 4k walk and run routes.
  • Virtual Option: Can’t make it in person? You can still take part virtually from anywhere and log your kilometers while going orange for Solas!
  • Registration: Adults cost €25, and children are €15. Registration includes an official event t-shirt and this year’s stunning finisher medal—which organizers are calling one of the best yet!

You can sign up online right now by visiting the Solas website. Late registration will also be available on the day (though event t-shirts are subject to availability for on-the-day sign-ups).

A Community Partnership That Goes the Extra Mile

Ahead of Sunday’s city event, Maeve Breathnach, Senior HR Business Partner with Eir Gen Pharma—the proud main corporate sponsor of the event and long-time partner of Solas—stopped by the studio for a chat.

Eir Gen Pharma has worked hand-in-hand with the Solas Centre since 2020, supporting everything from medal sponsorship and charity abseils to hands-on community gardening days with the men’s group.

Reflecting on why the partnership means so much to the company, Maeve shared:

“I suppose a big part of Eir Gen has always been our community, and Solas is such a big part of the community here in Waterford. The reality is we all have that unfortunate connection in a way to the Solas Centre. For so many reasons, we’ve partnered with them, and it’s something we’ve been really proud of.”

Maeve also admitted she is lacing up her runners to tackle the 10k course in Waterford City this Sunday, joking that her training strategy might involve a bit of “winging it” and relying on the electric atmosphere of the thousands of participants to carry her past that notorious Williamstown Road hill.

Do It for the Cause—and the Medal!

With thousands of people expected to pull on their orange gear, the weekend promises an incredible atmosphere filled with music, fancy dress, and immense community spirit.

As Maeve noted, the team at Solas—from Tracy and Ann-Marie to Ger and the army of volunteers—make the facility a beacon of warmth and support for families across the Southeast.

Head over to the Solas website today to get signed up, grab your gear, and get ready to go orange for a phenomenal cause this weekend!

Are you taking part in the Solas Walk and Run this weekend, or will you be cheering on the runners from the sidelines in Dungarvan or Waterford City?