North West 10k hold AGM as they look ahead to next year's race

The North West 10k Committee is back to work and planning for the 29th Charity Run & Walk, which will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday 4th of May 2026, in Letterkenny.

That's after the 10k AGM, which took place last Tuesday night in the Mount Errigal Hotel. The Committee has added three new members, Stephanie Lyale, Sean McCrudden and Liam McLaughlin.

Dorothy McGinley has stepped down, and her valuable contribution to the Committee was acknowledged by outgoing Chairperson Neil Martin.

Mr Martin was returned as Chairperson for an eighth year. Also re-elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson was Nancy McNamee.

Mr Martin said it was another successful event and was extra special as the charity event broke the million euros milestone.

“As usual, it is fair to say that we excelled in our presentation of the event this year. Once again we were very lucky in the charities we chose this year, they worked particularly well with each other and were very enthusiastic from the get go. We have now raised a very historic figure €1,018,276 for over 40 charities in Donegal.

My thanks to the two charities this year, who worked very well together to help raise substantial income for very worthy causes. Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, Donegal Branch and Donegal Horizons CLG each received €17,676,” Mr Martin said.

He also thanked all the sponsors for their support again in 2025. “In particular, thanks to our five main sponsors, Mount Errigal Hotel, Donegal Daily, the Value Centre, Century Complex and Brian McCormack Intersport.

“Their support ensures that there is more money for the charities. All 10 Municipal District Cllrs gave valuable financial support from their Members Development Fund money, and I thank each of them for their contribution.

“Thanks also to the Garda, under the leadership of Sergeants Eunan Walsh, Elaine Gordon and Eamonn Gillespie, for their help and guidance, especially on the day of the race,” Mr Martin said.

He also thanked Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber and the staff for their help and support over the years.

“The Chamber is a focal point where the charity applications. I also want to acknowledge again the invaluable commitment of the stewards and marshals who gave their time helping us on the day. Thanks also to the Donegal Volunteer Centre for providing members to do various jobs on the day.

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“Thanks also to the Red Cross for their presence on the day of the race. Thanks to Liam O’Donnell and his team at the Letterkenny Community Centre, as always. They gave us full cooperation with the use of the Marquee for the pre-registrations and setting up inside on the day of the event.”

Mr Martin acknowledged the presence of John McCarter, Donegal Person of the Year, who took time to be at the North West 10k on the Bank Holiday Monday to officially start the race and make the presentations to the winners afterwards. He also thanked all the officers and the committee for their support and commitment in the past year.

“We are very lucky to have so many volunteers to help out. While we are delighted to have three new members for 2026 there is a need for more recruits to the committee. This event need a lot of people to carry it off successfully, and if we can get a few more members, it can spread the load on everyone. Get in touch with any of the current committee as we would be glad of any help as we get working on the 29th North West 10k,” Mr Martin concluded.

The North West 10k Committee for 2026 includes – Neil Martin (Chairperson), Nancy McNamee (Vice-Chairperson), Gerard McGinley (Treasurer), Mary Fleming-McCrossan (Secretary), Brendan McDaid (Race Director & Assistant-Treasurer), Neily McDaid (Safety Officer), Declan Kerr (Media Officer), Charlie Kelly (Honorary President), Committee members – Stephanie Lyale, Sean McCrudden, Liam McLaughlin, Anne Condon, Bernie Brennan, Seamus Murphy and Norman Spratt.