Rith 2012 is a 700 km relay-run which will begin in Gaoth Dobhair Co. Donegal on 8th March and finish in Inis Mór, Aran Islands, on St. Patrick's Day. Thousands will of people will carry a specially designed baton with a hidden message of support for the Irish language from person to person, community to community, to the finishing line on Inis Mór where it will be revealed. 20,000 people took part in the first Rith that was held in Ireland in 2010. This year the run aims to be even bigger whilst also raising money to support the Irish language in communities throughout Ireland.
"We're very excited about Rith 2012," says Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill, Festival Manager. "After the huge success of Rith 2010 we've decided to build on it and make it bigger and better this year. Rith brings together hundreds of communities from across the Island who want to show their support and goodwill for the Irish language during Seachtain na Gaeilge. We're asking people to register now and come out and take part.''
People can show their support by taking part in the run and by buying a kilometre or kilometres
All profits are reinvested back into local communities to help support the Irish language
at a local level.
Schools, community groups, sports clubs and individuals are all invited to buy a kilometer and take part at any stage of the 700 km course. All the information you need is on www.rith.ie
As well as the run itself, there will be plenty of other events along the route as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge which will be happening at the same time.
Rith is a biannual festival founded in 2010 with the aim of celebrating the Irish language in the community in an inclusive, visual and active way and also raising funds for Irish language community projects. Rith is a registered charity and is run as a joint venture between Conradh na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, Comhluadar and Seachtain na Gaeilge. Rith 2012 will visit counties Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Antrim, Armagh, Monaghan, Meath, , Dublin, Kildare, Carlow, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway and the Aran Islands. Rith recieves support from Foras na Gaeilge, Údaras na Gaeltachta, An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta and Udar.ie