WATCH! The 5th Navan Darkness into Light Walk/Run was the biggest yet!

Over 4,000 people left their beds to journey from the Darkness into Light in Navan this morning.

A record number of men, women and children, converged on Navan Rugby Club at 4am to take on the 5k challenge in aid of Pieta House and their annual fundraising and awareness camapign. 

There was an incredible atmosphere ahead of the start which saw the runners set off first followed by the over 3,000 walkers, some pushing toddlers in pushchairs with others giving their dogs an early stroll. 

Navan Darkness into Light organiser Eugene Smith was delighted with the turnout.

'It's fantastic and makes it all so worthwhile. We believe we've over 4,000 here this morning but it could be more. It certainly has got bigger every year and goes to show the amount of people who are affected by the issue of suicide and self harm. There's not a person around who doesn't know of someone or some family who has been through it. We're all here for those people this morning.'

Navan parish curate Fr Kevin Heery, fresh from his London Marathon travails was one of the first runners home in what was his fourth Darkness into Light event.

 

'We all know someone affected and you hear the stories and meet the people behind the stories, it's a lovely camaraderie and special morning, it's great to be a part of it.'

Speaking to participants before the run/walk got underway, Avril Mansouri from Pieta House said everyone at Pieta House sent their heartfelt thanks for the effort being made and wished everyone a safe and enjoyable journey. 'It really is a beautiful moment, enjoy it and talk to your neighbours as you go.'