Applications now being accepted for the Very Pink Run in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland

Registration is now open for the Very Pink Run with a host of well-known names lending their support. 

The fundraiser for Breast Cancer Ireland has gathered over €6.6million with 86,500 participants and the 2024 offering aims to build on that.

Its launch today outlined a series of fun-filled, family-focused events – three are in-person at Leopardstown Race Course (31st Aug), The Watershed in Kilkenny (1st Sept) or MTU grounds, Cork (8th Sept) or you can opt for your own 5-10k with family or friends in your own community.

All are supported by the Very Pink Tribe includes author Cathy Kelly who is recovering herself from breast cancer, Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt, with sport stars Josh van der Flier, Robbie Henshaw, Shane Byrne, Jamie Finn & Hannah Tyrrell as well as a range of media staples.

Registrations for the event are now open on verypinkrun.ie and Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland says; “As we gear up for this year’s event, we’re once again incredibly appreciative of our title sponsor’s support this year. The support from Very (and that of our Silver Tier sponsors such as Glanbia, Cornmarket and Goodbody) not only helps us offset our event costs and ensure that all funds raised go directly into research, clinical trials and awareness programmes, but it also allows us, through their respective communications channels, and our collective strengths, to amplify this event, and reach an even larger group of potential participants.”

She adds; “The Very Pink Run is, as we see it, THE best fun run – bar none! It’s also our most important fundraising event of the entire year…with life changing impact. In fact, every single step taken as part of this event, is a step closer to saving lives, and a powerful act for those affected by breast cancer. The 3 live events are taking place earlier this year – with registration now open – so we’re urging those interested in taking part to register today so that they receive their pink Race Packs and T-shirts in time. Every cent raised through the event will help fund life-saving clinical research and new trials – and our continued provision of good breast health and education and awareness programmes nationwide, with the ultimate goal of transforming this disease, into a treatable illness for ALL of those affected”.

The funds raised through the event this year will be channeled into two targeted areas by Breast Cancer Ireland, namely:

• Continued investment into research into metastatic disease progression to the brain – through an international collaboration with the Ludwig Breast Research Centre at the University of Chicago, and the BCI funded Research Centre at the Royal College of Surgeons. This highly challenging, and sometimes fatal diagnosis, requires continuous high-level investment to help identify new ways of preventing metastasis where the initial tumour in the breast travels to major organs in the body, most notably the brain. New targeted drug therapies are helping when other major organs like the spine, bones, lung or liver are affected, but Breast Cancer Ireland is working tirelessly to try to identify ways to block cells invading the brain.
• Driving progression and speed of scientific discovery from research settings into international clinical trials – through continued investment in this area, Breast Cancer Ireland is transforming new scientific discoveries in the laboratories into timely clinical trials so as to develop newer, more effective and personalised targeted treatments and therapies into the future – thus making breast cancer a treatable illness for ALL.

Catherine O’Toole, Head of Marketing for Very says; “Very is the proud title sponsor of the Very Pink Run, supporting the important work of Breast Cancer Ireland across the country. With 3,700 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year and 1 in 7 women developing breast cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 738 men, we know that the important work Breast Cancer Ireland does will touch many of our customers, colleagues, and their families during their lifetime.

Very has been working in the local community for over 50 years and this partnership further increases the awareness for the Very Pink Run with the aim to raise the vital funds required for life-saving research and breast health education provided by Breast Cancer Ireland. So, we would encourage everyone to join us and sign up to walk, run, scoot with your family or friends in this year’s Very Pink Run and together we can help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”