Half marathon raises vital funds for Barretstown

THREE hundred runners took to the streets of Naas on Sunday 6 September, for Barretstown’s inaugural Half Marathon, raising vital funds to support children, young people and families affected by cancer and other serious illness.

Held in partnership with Naas Athletic Club and sponsored by Boran Packaging, the certified 21.1km route, started and finished at Naas Racecourse and took participants through Kill, Kerdiffstown Park and Sallins, along the Grand Canal before returning to Naas via Main Street and the Harbour.

The event provided runners with the opportunity to take on a new challenge, with many participants using it as preparation for the Dublin Marathon or as a personal running goal, while supporting the charity and raising vital funds for the provision of its residential and outreach programmes.

Barretstown is Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children, young people and families affected by cancer and other serious illness.

In 2025, it served more than 31,000 children, young people and family members, with more than 175,000 people served since Barretstown opened its doors in 1994.

Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn expressed her gratitude to all who supported the event. She said: “Our inaugural Naas Half Marathon was a fantastic opportunity to bring people together while making a meaningful difference to children, young people and families affected by cancer and other serious illness. We are incredibly grateful to the 300 runners who took part and helped make the event such a huge success. A special thank you to Naas Athletic Club, Boran Packaging, Naas Racecouse, our dedicated volunteers, and to everyone who helped make the day possible.

“Every person who ran, volunteered or supported the event has played a part in helping us continue to provide vital psychosocial care to thousands of children and young people each year; helping to rebuild their confidence, develop independence, and rediscover a sense of joy, optimism and hope.”