Tunnel Vision: plan for 10km run through port tunnel to raise funds for charities

A 10km charity run through the Dublin Port Tunnel is to take place on December 10th, ahead of the opening of the tunnel to traffic.

The official opening date for the tunnel is to be announced tomorrow. However, the date for the run, which is expected to attract 10,000 participants, signals a mid-December start of operations.

The run is being organised by the city council to raise money for the Lord Mayor's Fund. This benefits those who are particularly vulnerable during winter, including older people and the homeless.

Several charities receive funding, most notable the Simon Community, Alone and St Vincent de Paul.

Entrants to the race pay €25 to the fund. However, they are welcome to raise additional money for these or their own charities. The closing date for entries is November 29th.

The idea of a run was put forward five years ago by Fianna Fáil city councillor Maurice Ahern, then lord mayor of Dublin.

The current Lord Mayor, Vincent Jackson, intends to take part in the race, although he is likely to walk the 10km. "The tunnel is an ideal location for a winter run and will help raise much-needed funds for charity," he said.

Meanwhile safety tests in the tunnel will continue throughout this month.