Donegal Half Marathon Committee presents €7,000 to local charities

Seven local charities have each been presented with cheques for €1,000 by the Donegal Half Marathon at a handover event at Kernan’s Bistro at Letterkenny Retail Park.

The event doubled as an evening of appreciation to thank and acknowledge the help and support the Kernan’s-sponsored Donegal Half Marathon receives from volunteers, local businesses, and agencies.

The charities benefiting from the 2026 Donegal Half Marathon are Letterkenny We Care Foodbank, RNLI, iCare, St Vincent De Paul, Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, Red Cross and Pieta House.

In his address, Donegal Half Marathon Chairman, Myles Sweeney, said he was delighted with the large attendance.

“This event started in 2014 and was the brainchild of the late Dessie Larkin,” he said. “Since COVID, there has been a notable increase in entries. In 2025 we had 1,400 entries, and this year we had 1,220.

“Dessie Larkin’s aim was to have a people’s event, and that is exactly what it has become. Because of the large numbers taking part in recent years, we have surplus funds which we can give out. This year we have selected seven charities to benefit. So many people play their part in making the annual event so successful, and we have an extremely hard-working committee.”

The chairman thanked the main sponsors, Kernan’s, for their ongoing support, and other local businesses including Century Cinemas, Watson Hire and Highland Bakery, Optum, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny DCP, and Donegal Sports Partnership,

Donegal Volunteer Centre, Gardaí, Aura Leisure Centre, St Eunan’s GAA Club, and the team of marshals headed up by Neily McDaid and Gerard McGinley.

Speaking on behalf of Donegal County Council, Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Pauric McGarvey, said: “It’s great to be gathered here to look back on what was another hugely successful event held in Letterkenny back in August. I’d like to congratulate the committee for all their work. It was a pleasure for me to start this year’s race alongside Danny McDaid. The elected members are happy to support the Donegal Half Marathon every year through the DFI."

Since 2020, the Donegal Half Marathon Committee has presented a total of €23,000 to 13 charity organisations.