One of County Roscommon\u2019s most famous local, national and international sportstars was on hand to launch the inaugural Strive Fitness Race, which takes place on Sunday, September 21st, as part of European Week of Sport.<\/p>\n
Olympian Aoife O\u2019Rourke and former Dublin senior footballer, James McCarthy, were at the Sport Ireland Campus, Abbotstown, to launch the initiative in partnership with Ireland Active.<\/p>\n
The new technology-powered fitness race will feature live leaderboards, and has been designed for both beginners and more advanced fitness enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
Fitness racing combines elements of running and functional fitness exercises, to test strength, endurance, and fitness.<\/p>\n
Race participants must take part in pairs, and there will be two levels to suit people of all ages and fitness levels.<\/p>\n
The morning sessions will be for those starting their fitness racing journey (Strive Fitness Challenge), while the afternoon sessions will be more advanced for those who exercise more regularly (Strive Fitness Race).<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve travelled around the world taking part in fitness racing, and I\u2019ve seen how popular it is with Irish people. It\u2019s great to see this new Strive event on the Sport Ireland Campus, which is helping people to be active, no matter their level of fitness,\u201d commented O\u2019Rourke, Irish boxer and world champion Hyrox athlete.<\/p>\n
Dr \u00dana May, CEO of Sport Ireland, highlighted that the initiative was funded by the European Commission and led by Sport Ireland as part of European Week of Sport, which aims to increase the level of participation in sport and physical activity in the EU and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cFitness racing is growing all over the world and we\u2019re delighted to include in this year\u2019s schedule,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Dublin GAA star James McCarthy was one of those who tested out the activities and technology for the race, concluding \u201cit\u2019ll be a great challenge for everyone taking part.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active, said that they were delighted to partner with Sport Ireland Campus for this event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope to see representatives from our gym members all around the country taking part, and to create an event that becomes part of the fitness community calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n