Lots of Christmas outdoor activities to work off the festive excess

Laois has a big selection of outdoor activities this festive season, for anyone looking for fresh air instead of another turkey sandwich and Christmas movie.

There are four GOAL Mile walks to pick from in Laois this year. Walk or run a mile in aid of families in Gaza, Sudan and beyond.

The first were scheduled for Christmas morning. One is in Oakvale Woods, Stradbally (near Windy Gap), from 10am-12pm, and the second is in Portarlington GAA Club, 11 - 11:30am.

On St Stephen’s Day, another GOAL mile is at St Joseph's GAA Club, Tony Byrne Park near Stradbally, R14 YH72, 10:30 - 11:30am. The fourth GOAL Mile is at Spink GAA, Spink Community Field at 11am.

The annual Clonaslee Walk for Laois Hospice returns for a 33rd year on December 26. Hundreds of walkers and runners will set off from the community centre for a choice of either a 6km or 16km route, returning for homebaked treats. Last year alone the Clonaslee walk raised €33,700. Donate on the day or email for a sponsorship card, clonaslee hospicewalk@gmail.com

Alternatively, on St Stephen’s Day, go to the Annual Noel Ramsbottom 5km road fun run/walk in Timahoe. Register from 11am in Timahoe Heritage Centre. Race commences at 12pm. Cups for the first Man and Woman home. A great way to work off the turkey and raise funds for The Stradbally Parish Lourdes fund.

In Portlaoise on St Stephen’s Day, join the Portlaoise Athletics Club Cuisle Centre Run, described as “a gentle walk or run” around the Block Road, starting from St Fintan’s Campus at 10am. Donate on the morning, or online to www.idonate.ie/aengusburke1

Again on St Stephen’s Day, Ballyroan Abbey GAA Club will hold a 5km road race, to run or walk. Registration at 10 am, start 11 am, in Ballyroan community hall with refreshments and prizes.

Registration for the St Abban's AC St Stephen's Day Road Racer begins at 10am at Behans, Tolerton. The Ladies race will start at 11am followed by the Men's race at 11.30am. Entry is €5.

The annual Ballyroan Vintage Club Christmas Road Run in aid of Laois Hospice & Laois Alzheimer's takes place on December 26 from Ballyroan GAA R43 WE0. Registration at 11am, run starts at 12 noon

The new Camross Junior parkrun features an event for 4 to 14-year-olds on New Year's Day. Register via facebook.

On Sunday, December 28, head to the Slieve Bloom village of Coolrain for a Christmas Tractor Run, 6K Fun Run/Walk and Monster Auction, all in aid of Clonenagh National School in Mountrath. Register for the run/walk at 11am, the tractor run at 1.30 and the auction starts at 8pm in Sheeran’s pub, with a signed Shane Lowry t-shirt among the items and live music during the fun community day.

Also on December 28, after last year’s huge success, the Clough Ballacolla GAA Battle of the Courts Doubles handball competition is back for another great day of fun.

Ring in the New Year in Ballacolla where walkers and the owners of vintage and modern tractors are invited to on December 1 for a 2 pm start of the annual walk and tractor run.

With registration at 1.30pm we will traverse well trodden routes before returning by David Lalor's yard in Ballygague where refreshments and the raffle will be held.

Proceeds from the day will go to support the local national school.