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JANUARY is a month infused with magic and loaded with new possibilities, according to the organiser of the Kerry walks staged as part of national Operation Transformation walk day this Saturday, January 7.

Participants will be gathering for the Killarney walk, organised by the Park Run team, at the Muckross Traditional Farms, for a briefing at 9.20am and the 5k walk or run will commence at 9.30am.

“January is a special time of year, which is infused with magic, loaded with new possibilities and ripe with potential pathways to explore and engage in healthier lifestyle options,” said Córa Carrig, co-ordinator, Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership.

“It’s all about creating a gap in one’s schedule to make physical activity happen and be a part of our lives. Saturday’s walk provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to get 2017 off to an active start.”

This is the seventh year of this national event where thousands of people throughout the country, including in Kerry, put on their walking shoes and take to the pathways of Ireland.

As Operation Transformation has linked with Sports Ireland (formally known as Irish Sports Council), the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership is responsible for organising and co-ordinating the walks in Kerry.

“This year, we are very fortunate to be in a position to expand the number of walks countywide to three locations – Listowel, Killarney and Tralee,” said Córa.

“The increased number of walks is made possible by building on the wonderful work and existing efforts of the fabulous volunteers at the local park-runs in Killarney and Tralee. For Listowel we are engaging with the Community Centre to co-ordinate the walk there.

Registration is essential for all events, stressed Córa. “So if you are not already registered with park-run, you can register for free at www.parkrun.ie/register for the Killarney and Tralee walks,” she added. “And don’t forget to bring your barcodes. For anyone participating in Listowel we ask that you pre-register for free at www.ot-listowel.eventbrite.ie.”

All three events take place on January 7 at 9.30am to coincide with an RTÉ radio broadcast. People of all ages, fitness levels and abilities are invited to come along on the day.
 

 
Above: Some 3000 participants gathered for the Operation Transformation walk led by Paudie O'Mahoney in Killarney in 2014.