Plenty to do this Christmas as Laois hosts runs, walks and charity events

Laois is hosting a range of sporting and charity events this Christmas season, offering plenty of opportunities to stay active outdoors.

There are six GOAL Mile events across Laois, raising funds for families in Gaza, Sudan, and beyond. Events are on Christmas morning in Oakvale Woods, Stradbally (10am–12pm) and Portarlington GAA Club (11–11.30am), on St Stephen’s Day in St Joseph’s GAA Club, Tony Byrne Park (10.30–11.30am) and Spink GAA (11am). There are two more events after Christmas with The Rock GAA Club hosting a GOAL Mile on Sunday, December 28, while on New Year’s Day, there'll be one at Stradbally GAA, Bill Delaney Park (11am).

Other festive runs include the Noel Ramsbottom 5km Road Fun Run/Walk in Timahoe on St Stephen’s Day (registration 11am, race 12pm), the Portlaoise Athletics Club Cuisle Centre Run at 10am, the Ballyroan Abbey GAA 5km Road Race (registration 10am, start 11am), and the St Abban's AC Road Race in Tolerton (Ladies 11am, Men 11.30am, entry €5).

Also on the same day, the Ballyroan Vintage Club Christmas Road Run raises funds for Laois Hospice and Laois Alzheimer’s (registration 11am, run 12pm).

On Sunday, December 28, Coolrain hosts a Christmas Tractor Run, 6K Fun Run/Walk, and Monster Auction for Clonenagh National School, with registration for the run/walk at 11am, tractor run at 1.30pm. 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. On the same day, the Clough Ballacolla GAA Battle of the Courts Doubles Handball Competition returns for another day of festive fun.

Ballacolla is also the venue for a New Year's walk, which starts at 2pm. The Ballacolla 6km walk starts via Begadons Forge, Harvey’s Cross and returns by Lalor’s yard, where refreshments for all will be served.

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