Olympic race walker Robert Heffernan has pledged his support for the forthcoming Bandon Half Marathon and 10K Road Race. Funds raised from the event will be divided equally between Bandon Rugby and Athletic Clubs. Bandon AC is proposing to build a tartan running track in order to improve its existing training facilities. Robert who is from Togher in Cork and a member of Togher Athletic Club is a world class race walking champion. Some of his career highlights include an eighth place finish in the 20KM walk at the 2008 Olympics. He finished in sixth place in both the World Championships in Osaka in 2007 and the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in 2008.
Robert said it would be great to have additional facilities in the County and West Cork in particular. He indicated that if the club succeeded in the venture, he would be willing to come to Bandon to undertake coaching sessions in race walking. He commented that it is always useful for athletes like himself and those of all abilities to have additional training facilities should the CIT and Mardyke tracks be unavailable. Robert and his wife Marian, a sprinter who is also headed for the London Olypmics, made an appearance on the Late Late Show recently. The Half Marathon and 10K take place this coming Saturday 12th May in Bandon. Online entry at the cheaper rates will now be available until Thursday 10th May. Entries will also be taken on Friday11th May at the Rugby Club on the Clonakilty Road in Bandon from 5pm to 9pm as well as from 7am to 9am on the morning of the race. Race numbers for those already entered can be collected during these times also. Full details can be found on www.bandonhalfmarathon.com
