Local hero to be honoured at Great Erris Run
Participants line up for the start of last year's Great Erris Run which will again begin at Belmullet's Broadhaven Bay Hotel next month.
The Great Erris Run returns on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and this year's event carries special significance as the community comes together to honour the life and legacy of Rob Turner.
Held in loving memory of Rob, this year's event will raise funds for the Erris Youth Disability Network (EYDN), supporting children, young people and families throughout the Erris region.
Rob was a dedicated and much-loved member of the community at Our Lady's Secondary School in Belmullet for over 30 years, serving as a teacher, coach and Special Needs Assistant from 1995. Known for his kindness, patience and ability to bring out the best in everyone he met, Rob made a lasting impact on generations of young people through education, sport and the support he gave both inside and outside the classroom. He sadly passed away in December of last year.
Before making Erris his home, Rob enjoyed a distinguished professional football career with Ipswich Town, where he was part of the squads that won both the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup under the legendary Sir Bobby Robson. While these achievements were remarkable, those who knew Rob best will remember him most for the encouragement, humour and compassion he showed to others every day.
Sanctioned and officially measured by Athletics Ireland, the Great Erris Run offers both 5k and 10k races, welcoming runners of all abilities to experience one of Ireland's most scenic race routes while supporting an important local cause.
Organised by MFitness, the event has become much more than a road race. It is an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate the beauty of Erris, remember someone who meant so much to so many, and make a positive difference for future generations.
“Rob was someone who genuinely cared about people and dedicated so much of his life to helping others reach their potential,” said Michael Doocey of MFitness.
“We felt it was only fitting that this year's event would honour his memory while supporting a local charity chosen by Rob's family that shares so many of the values he stood for.”
This year's beneficiary, Erris Youth Disability Network (EYDN), is a truly deserving local organisation that creates inclusive opportunities for children and young people with additional needs across education, training, employment, recreation and everyday life within the Erris community. Every entry and every donation will directly support EYDN's work in helping young people and their families access opportunities, build confidence and participate fully in community life.
Participants are also encouraged to create their own fundraising page and invite family, friends and colleagues to support their run, helping to make an even greater impact for EYDN.
This year's Great Erris Run is more than a race. It is an opportunity for the community to come together to run, remember and make a difference.
It starts from the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet at 9am on Sunday, August 9. Registration is at www.eventmaster.ie (search Great Erris Run) and the entry fee is €32.10. Those who register by July 31 are guaranteed their t shirt and medal. Participants must be 13 or over for the 5k and 15 or over for the 10k.
