Friends launch Colm Horkan 2024 Memorial Run 

The annual memorial run in memory of the late Det Garda Colm Horkan has been launched to honour the highly-regarded and much-loved Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club stalwart.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, May 19 and participants can choose to run, jog or walk 5km, 10km or do a Half-Marathon (21.1km).

The 49 year-old was murdered on duty in Castlerea four years ago on June 18, 2020.

Family, friends and clubmates have rallied together and the 'Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch' and community walkways project is being constructed as a tribute to his legacy.

Colm's many friends in the East Mayo Athletics Club and Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club recently launched the 2024 Colm Horkan Memorial Run.

The event, will be a mix of a physical run in Charlestown and a virtual run for people unable to make it on the day.

Speaking at the launch of the run, Rita Doherty, recipient of the Community Award at the 2023 Western People Mayo Sports Stars Award, garda and member of East Mayo Athletics Club said they are delighted with the momentum behind the annual event.

"We are delighted that Colm’s Run has become an annual event and are extremely grateful to our participants, committee, our members and our many volunteers for their continued hard work and support for this event," she said. "The proceeds of the run will go towards the completion of the various stages of The Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkways Development and East Mayo AC track development."

Rita said they are very proud that Colm’s run has contributed significantly to the progress made to date on Colm’s pitch which will be officially opened on Sunday, June 2 next.

Inspector David Tiernan and Detective Sergeant Michael Doherty, two of Colm’s friends and garda colleagues added their gratitude to Colm’s many GAA friends, garda colleagues, family and friends for their ongoing support for Colm’s run which is raising funds for a wonderful legacy in his memory.

The organisers said this year they are delighted to welcome local business, Brian Forkan Construction, on board as official sponsor

Entry to the event is now open and you can register to take part either virtually or physically by visiting

https://www.popupraces.ie/race/colm-horkan-memorial-run-2024/.

Entrants will receive a custom designed t-shirt made from 100% recycled materials.

Custom designed quarter zip tops are also available to purchase. Family 5km entries are also available.