Massive turnout for 2023 Sandra's Run

Up to 400 motorbikes participated in the 18th annual Sandra's Run on Saturday to raise funds for two worthwhile charities, The Mater Foundation and the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

The unique event is held every year to honour the memory of Killybegs girl, Sandra Boyle.

Sandra was the daughter of Rosaleen and Jim Boyle.  She developed leukaemia as a young teen and battled it bravely for three years.  During that time Sandra did two mini marathons, the first she walked it and the second she was pushed in her wheelchair by her father, Jim.  Sandra sadly died on May 21, 1991 just one day short of her 18th birthday. 

Jim and Rosaleen had always been into motorbiking and raising money for charity (even before Sandra became ill) and so in 2005 they launched ‘Sandra’s Run’.  That first year 14 bikers took part and this year that number had increased to 400! 

The teddy bears placed along the route symbolised the sick children in hospitals and the children who lost their battle and are now angels. These and other soft toys are tied to fences, poles, trees etc. along the various landmarks. Some of the bikers and cars on it also had soft toys tied to them.  It really is heart-warming and quite a sight to see and shows the support of so many for this event.

Yesterday's route took participants from Killybegs, to Carrick, Ardara, then on to Glenties, Dungloe, Gaoth Dobhair and up to Bloody Foreland before travelling back the same way to Killybegs.

Two of the bikers en route from Killybegs to Bloody Foreland Photo: Thomas Gallagher

The event ended with a function in the Tara Hotel in the town which marked another very successful outing for this very important gathering.