Armagh’s biggest event of the year will see epic adventurer and life coach Stevey McGeown take on his 2017 challenge.
Known for his ‘off the wall’ sensational challenges, the charity man is set this time for a 24 hour racing challenge against a horse. The first of its kind here!
The 24 hour grand contest is set to take place from 2pm on Friday 30th June to 2pm on Saturday 1st July 2017, at the Palace Demesne, Friary Road, Armagh.
Stevey says: “I am calling out to all runners to come along and join me for a once in a life time opportunity to race against horse, have an awesome time and contribute to a very worthy cause. Win, Win, Win!”
The event intends to raise awareness of autism and all proceeds will be to support ‘Run for Autism HAND’ – a locally based charity which helps those living with autism and their families in the Southern area across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down Districts.
The 24 hour event is a family fun festival with lots of activities and entertainment available throughout and everyone can get involved in the challenge no matter how small or big.
Activities include: a series of official race events 5k, 10k, half and full marathons, with special edition Man V Horse medals awarded – you can register online at www.man-v-horse.eventbrite.co.uk; a western themed fancy dress parade for kids, a balloon launch, 24 hours live entertainment by artists such as Hair o’ The Dog and Martin Rafferty and Northern Lights; local dance clubs; local schools; fun fair; pony rides; inflatables; arts and crafts; trade stalls and much much more. There will also be a few special guest appearances including World famous local jockey Brian Hughes.
Chairman of Run for Autism HAND charity Sean Quinn explained; “I am delighted Stevey has chosen our charity to host this truly epic event to help raise awareness of autism. Around 300 children are newly diagnosed with Autism each year here and this number is increasing. Without the support from you, the public, we would be unable to provide funds to local groups, schools with special needs classes and charities which help individuals with autism and their families. We are proud to have supported dozens of projects over the last 10 years right across the Southern area which has benefited so many families, and we hope with the public’s support behind this event, we will continue with this invaluable work, which is all voluntary.”
The finale BBQ and Country and Western Show event will take place on Saturday 1 July at 7.30pm in Armagh City Hotel. Tickets £25 available from the Hotel. Music by Gareth Pritchard Band featuring the amazing Finvola as well as Susan McCann and Kerry Fearon.
Excited to be involved in the event Debbie McKenna Manager of Armagh’s Riding for the Disabled Association added: “We are very privileged to be one of the lucky local groups that are funded by Run for Autism HAND charity and really appreciate their continued support in enabling us to maintain and upgrade our excellent facilities here at our riding school. We provide lessons and horse therapy to many individuals with learning disabilities in the local area.
“Our horse therapy builds those individual’s self-confidence and enables them to promote their social skills, motor and sensory skills whilst bonding with our horses. They really enjoy being here and it gives me great satisfaction seeing them smile. Come out and support this excellent event Man V Horse and help raise funds for autism, she said.”
Joanne McCracken, Chair from ‘More Than Words’ an autism support group in Armagh commented: “I would like to thank Run for Autism HAND for their help funding our new youth group which will be opening early September 2017 for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I would like to wish Man V Horse the very best of luck with their event and what an amazing line up they have for everyone. Without fundraising events like these it wouldn’t be possible to set up much needed services for children and adults with autism in Armagh.
Check out their Facebook and Twitter pages @1manvhorse for more details on the event.
