On Saturday, September 24th, Event Chair Brendan Carroll raised the flag for The Los Angeles Global 5K Run which was held at Venice Beach Pier. The Run spanned across 16 cities in 6 countries over 20 hours around the world.
An enthusiastic group of runners gathered to support The American Ireland Fund, including AIF Board Director Harry Hartford and his wife, Susan. It was great to have a couple of our Regional Advisory Board members there too, including Kaitlyn Cafferky Kyle and Conor Shalloe. Longtime friend of the Fund, Jamie Murphy joined us and there were several new runners this year including Kevin Murphree of KPMG, Chris Kyle, John Bateman,and Susan Harbert. We welcomed back Cammy and Daniel Heidenreich and were glad to see Darren Ryan from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
It was a spectacular morning by the ocean with temps expected to soar into the mid-90s later that day. Runners took off along the palm tree-lined boardwalk towards Santa Monica, dodging skateboarders, roller bladers, cyclists and joggers. The pace was fast and first past the finish line in Los Angeles was Dan Heidenreich with a time of 19:50, followed by last year’s winner, David Glass in second place. First female past the post in Los Angeles was Lucy Fitzgerald who completed the run in 20:18, followed by Susan Harbert.
Dan handed the baton back to Brendan Carroll as this final run wrapped up the Global 5K. It was good fun with great camaraderie and everyone pledged to be back again next year.
Special thanks to Alan Hearty, Matthew Doran, James Kearney, and all those generous donors who contributed to this important fundraiser.
Super job by Brendan Carroll in pulling it all together – well done! – and profuse thanks for helping making this a great event.
