Northern Ireland’s leading convenience retailer Centra has launched its popular series of charity family fun runs for the second year, adding two brand new events to the line-up.

The Centra Run Together series is designed to feed the recent upsurge in ‘social runners’ across Northern Ireland, encouraging communities across Northern Ireland to get up and running together, whilst raising vital funds for Action Cancer.

Following the success of the inaugural Centra Run Together initiative in 2016 the series will now include six 5k runs between April and October. Two runs will take place in Belfast and further races will be held in Derry/Londonderry, Antrim and new for 2017 – Fermanagh and Tyrone.

This year the events are completely free to enter but participants are encouraged to make a donation to Action Cancer in lieu of an entry fee. They are designed for a variety of participants from walkers, first time runners to those using the 5k course as training for a marathon.

The first event will take place on Sunday 23rd April at Queen’s Dub playing fields in Belfast and is now open for registration.

Musgrave NI’s head of marketing, Desi Derby, said: “The Centra Run Together series is part of our Live Well initiative, which represents an investment of £1 million and is aimed at helping our customers make healthier choices, addressing the serious health issues associated with today’s society.

“We had a great response to our initial Run Together series, with many families running their first 5k together, capturing a great community atmosphere. We’re looking forward to building on this success and raising even more money for Action Cancer.”

 

Centra has signed up two time Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist, Johnny Davis as an ambassador for Centra’s Live Well programme. Over the course of 2017, Johnny will provide hints and tips to aspiring runners, providing the motivation to get them on track before, during and after the Centra Run Together events.

Commenting at the launch, event organiser, Johnny Davis said: “Running has proven to be very beneficial for helping people live healthy lifestyles.

“Run Together is a concept designed to let people run in pairs and we encourage all levels of runners to join in the fun – to pair up with their partner, son, daughter, a friend or neighbour and help raise money for Action Cancer.

“I am proud and excited to be an ambassador for Centra’s Live Well programme and I am looking forward to getting people across Northern Ireland healthy and active.”

Centra Run Together events will take place in six locations across Northern Ireland throughout 2017:

• Queens Dub, Belfast – Sunday 23rd April, 10am
• Quayside, Derry – Wednesday 14th June, 7pm
• Parkanaur Forest, Co. Tyrone Saturday 18th June, 10am
• Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen Sunday 20th August, 10am
• Antrim Forum, Sunday 10^th September, 10am
• Ormeau Park, Belfast – Sunday 22nd October, 10am

The Centra Run Together series, a Live Well initiative, is sponsored by Deep RiverRock and Müller.

David Hearty from Deep RiverRock said: “With social running continuing to grow in popularity across Northern Ireland, these community events will encourage a spectrum of new and seasoned runners to get moving while supporting a good cause. Deep RiverRock is also passionate about supporting active communities, and proudly brings its ‘Think Straight, HYDRATE’ message to a number of local running events. With these existing synergies, the partnership with Centra and its Live Well programme is a perfect fit for us and we are delighted to be involved.”

 

Cathy Whyte from Müller said: “We’re delighted to sponsor Centra Run Together as part of the Live Well campaign. The inaugural Centra Run Together series saw hundreds of participants in each race and we are looking forward to this year’s series.  With our support, we hope to bring a positive healthy lifestyle message to even more families across Northern Ireland.”

 

All participants will receive a Centra Run Together T-shirt and bespoke medal as well as giveaways at the events.  For further information and details of how to register visit www.centra.co.uk/runtogether or the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/centra-run-together-queens-dub-playing-fields-tickets-32115958697

 

Leading convenience retailer Centra has teamed up with Carl Frampton’s award-winning and highly respected coach, Shane McGuigan, along with a top team of Ambassadors, to help inspire the people of Northern Ireland to Live Well Every Day.

Centra’s ‘Live Well’ strategy, which forms an integral part of the brand’s new ‘Live Every Day’ campaign, launching today (Tuesday 17th January), represents an investment of £1 million and has been designed to address serious health issues in today’s society.

Currently 60% of the adult population are overweight and obese, whilst 28% of adults do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week and one in five showed signs of a possible mental health problem. *

The new Centra Live Well programme, which the Ambassadors are a key part of, aims to educate and inspire consumers to make healthier choices and encourage communities across Northern Ireland get active.

McGuigan, the youngest son of former world boxing champion Barry, is a top signing to a roster of four Ambassadors spanning nutrition, fitness and mindfulness. The 28-year-old, who also coaches boxing stars David Haye, George Groves and up and coming talent Josh Taylor, will be creating a fitness plan and tips for Centra’s customers, housed on the Centra NI Facebook page.

Joining McGuigan in the Centra ‘Live Well’ team, Centra Nutritionist, Jane McClenaghan will build on her work with the brand in 2016, designing a programme of healthy recipes and nutrition tips that will help people to make long-term positive lifestyle changes. Jane, who has a passion for good food and runs a busy nutrition clinic in Belfast, is committed to helping people avoid fad diets and making healthier choices every day.

With mental health very much on the agenda, Bridgeen Rea is Centra’s Mindfulness Ambassador. Bridgeen is a qualified Mindfulness Meditation and yoga teacher and a wellness expert. She is the only person in Northern Ireland to have a Masters in Mindfulness Based Approaches and will design a 10-week course, which will guide people through key tips on how to manage busy lives and associated stress and anxiety, including the importance of a regular digital detox.

Completing the four-strong team, two time Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion, Johnny Davis, has been revealed as Centra’s Run Together Ambassador. In 2016, Centra launched Run Together – a new running initiative that encourages people to get out and run in pairs, hosting a series of four events in Belfast, Antrim and Derry/Londonderry. The programme will expand in 2017, with running events coming to new locations in Tyrone and Fermanagh, driven forward under Johnny’s expert eye.

Alongside the Ambassador programme, Centra customers will see real and effective change in-store with over 200 new healthy lines introduced across a number of key areas. These include Healthy Hydration, Healthy Snacking, Health & Wellbeing and Chilled Convenience.

Speaking from Las Vegas, where he’s preparing Carl Frampton for his big World Title fight against Leo Santa Cruz, Shane McGuigan said: “I am very proud to be Centra’s Fitness Ambassador for 2017. For the next 12 months, we are going to work together to help get the people of Northern Ireland moving.

“I started getting into fitness and nutrition when I was 13 years of age, when I started putting on a little bit of weight and started to get a little bit self-conscious and felt like I needed to do something about it. I took up running and boxing to get my weight down, and a long time after that, at 28 years of age – now 15 years later – I am in the fitness industry training the likes of Carl Frampton, George Groves, David Haye, Josh Taylor – all big names in boxing,” he continued.

“Boxing is one of the toughest sports when it comes to fitness. It’s got both of the energy systems, the aerobic system and the anaerobic system. I am really excited to be part of the Centra Live Well campaign, getting the people of Northern Ireland up on their feet and healthy. Your health is so important you have to look after yourself; you only get one body and one life,” Shane added.

Commenting on the launch of Centra’s new brand repositioning and ‘Live Well’ campaign, Michael McCormack, Managing Director, Musgrave NI said: “Over the past few years, we have been on a journey of discovery with the Centra brand; we have taken the time to listen and learn from our customers and understand their needs.

“Customers today don’t want convenience at any cost. Consumers are increasingly health conscious and as a convenience retail brand, we’re committed to helping our customers make better and healthier choices. This has been the driving force behind our store refresh programme, as well as the introduction of healthier product ranges across our stores.

“Our new strapline is Live Every Day.  It’s all about living in the moment and seizing the day.  Our Live Well Ambassador programme which we launched today is a key part of this.  Centra and its team of ambassadors will lead Northern Ireland towards a healthy “mind, body & soul” through giving them the advice, knowledge and tools to help them make healthier choices, get active and achieve balance in their life,” he added.

For further information about Centra’s Live Well campaign visit www.centra.co.uk or Like Centra NI’s Facebook page (facebook.com/CentraNI).

CENTRA Run Together in Belfast is under starters orders for its biggest and best event yet.

More than 600 people are expected to lace up their trainers for a good cause as the final Run Together of 2016 takes place on Sunday 13th November at Queens Dub Belfast.

Run Together is a series of 5k fun runs across Northern Ireland, organised by leading convenience retailer Centra to raise funds for Action Cancer.

It is a unique event with competitors running in pairs, so whether you want to race, jog or even walk, grab your partner, son, daughter, friend or neighbour and sign up.

Social running is currently the biggest exercise craze in Northern Ireland and with these community events, Centra is aiming to appeal to the complete spectrum of runners from club runners to Park Runners and Couch to 5k runners to newcomers.

The inaugural Centra Run Together series started in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry in June followed by a further event in Antrim in October which saw over 500 people taking part and raised more than £2,000 for charity.

The fun run, which will start at 10.30am on November 13, is designed to encourage all runners to pair up with a partner, however organiser Johnny Davis, MD of Pioneer Group, has said you can still sign up on your own.

“Centra Run Together is a fun pairs event to feed into the upsurge in participants in the ParkRun and Couch to 5k as well as the emergence of new community based running clubs in Northern Ireland,” said Johnny.

“Our first three events were a fantastic success and saw a new audience of runners capitalising on their training sessions in the ParkRuns and having a bit of fun running with family and friends!

“You can still sign up even if you don’t yet have a running partner and we’ll endeavour to find you a partner on the day,” he added.

Centra Marketing Director Michelle Fennell said: “With our Centra Run Together series, we are aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical and mental wellbeing throughout communities in Northern Ireland.

“The 5k runs provide a novel way for you and your ‘running mate’, whether that’s your brother, cousin, daughter or schoolfriend, to get involved in a local community event, help raise funds for Action Cancer and hopefully have a lot of fun!” she added.

Gillian Thomson, Corporate Fundraising Officer for charity partner Action Cancer said: “Centra Run Together has proved a very popular event and has already raised thousands of pounds for Action Cancer. Cancer touches so many people from all walks of life and all profits and sponsorship money from this event will go towards helping families throughout Northern Ireland by delivery life-saving services right to their doorstep.

“I would encourage anyone whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to get fit, to run for a reason and help raise vital funds for Action Cancer,” she added.

For further information and registration details for Belfast Run Together www.centra.co.uk/runtogether or www.facebook.com/CentraNI

Centra is a leading convenience brand in Northern Ireland for retailers who want a convenient range of fresh, local products. Core to the Centra philosophy is building vibrant communities. Centra stores throughout the province are owned and managed by independent retailers who are committed to supporting towns and villages in which they live and operate.  This is why, every year, Centra sells in excess of £96 million worth of products from Northern Ireland in its stores.

Run Together T’s & C’s: Participants must enter each race as a pair. Entry costs £24 for a team of two adults (16 and over), £20 for an adult and child (under 16) and £16 for a team of two under 16s. In the event of any participant under the age of 12 taking part they must be accompanied by an adult or be under parental or guardian supervision. Participants will receive a T-shirt and goody bag and those completing the race will receive a bespoke medal. All profits and 100% of sponsorship money from the event will go to Action Cancer. Full terms and conditions can be found on www.centra.co.uk/runtogether.

Centra’s 5k fun runs for Action Cancer back by popular demand

RUN TOGETHER, a series of 5k fun runs across Northern Ireland, organised by Centra, is back by popular demand.

Centra can reveal that the two new dates and venues are at Antrim Forum on Sunday 16^thOctober at 2pm and Queens Dub Belfast on Sunday 13th November at 10.30am and you are encouraged to sign up and run with your partner, son, daughter, friend or neighbour to raise money for Action Cancer.

Social running is currently the biggest exercise craze in Northern Ireland and with these community events, Centra is aiming to appeal to the complete spectrum of runners from club runners to Park Runners and Couch to 5k runners to newcomers.

The inaugural Centra Run Together events took part in Ormeau Park, Belfast and Quay Walkway, Derry~Londonderry in June and saw over 400 people taking part and raising more than £2,000 for charity.

The event is designed to encourage all runners to pair up with a partner, however organiser Johnny Davis, MD of Pioneer Group, has said you can still sign up on your own.

 

Johnny Davis, MD of Pioneer Group who organises the event said:
“Centra Run Together is a fun pairs event to feed into the upsurge in participants in the ParkRun and Couch to 5k as well as the emergence of new community based running clubs in Northern Ireland,” said Johnny.

“Our first two events were a fantastic success and saw a new audience of runners capitalising on their training sessions in the ParkRuns and having a bit of fun running with family and friends!”

“You can still sign up even if you don’t yet have a running partner and we’ll endeavour to find you a partner on the day,” he added.

Centra Marketing Director Michelle Fennell said: “With our Centra Run Together series, we are aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical and mental wellbeing throughout communities in Northern Ireland.

“The 5k runs provide a novel way for you and your ‘running mate’, whether that’s your brother, cousin, daughter or schoolfriend, to get involved in a local community event, help raise funds for Action Cancer and hopefully have a lot of fun!” she added.

Gillian Thomson, Corporate Fundraising Officer for charity partner Action Cancer said: “Centra Run Together has proved a very popular event and has already raised thousands of pounds for Action Cancer. Cancer touches so many people from all walks of life and all profits and sponsorship money from this event will go towards helping families throughout Northern Ireland by delivery life-saving services right to their doorstep.

“I would encourage anyone whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to get fit, to run for a reason and help raise vital funds for Action Cancer,” she added.

For further information and registration details for the Antrim and Belfast Run Together events visit www.centra.co.uk/runtogether or www.facebook.com/CentraNI

Centra Launches Series of 5k fun runs for Action Cancer

LEADING convenience retailer Centra has developed a new series of fun runs to feed the recent upsurge in ‘social runners’ in Northern Ireland whilst raising funds for a local charity.

Run Together is a set of four 5k races taking place across Belfast, Mid Ulster and Derry between June and October which encourage you to run with your partner, son, daughter, friend or neighbour to raise money for Action Cancer.

Social running is currently the biggest exercise craze in Northern Ireland and with these community events, Centra is aiming to appeal to the complete spectrum of runners from club runners to Park Runners and Couch to 5k runners to newcomers.

The first event will take place on Sunday 5th June at Ormeau Park, Belfast with a second race at the Quay walkway, Derry~Londonderry on Wednesday 22nd June. A third event will take place in Mid Ulster in September and the finale of the series will be in Belfast in October.

Local athlete Kelly Neely, World Masters 800m champion, who recently sprinted home to win the 800m Gold at the European Indoor Master Championships, launched Centra Run Together with the help of her husband Ian and daughter Sarah.

“It’s fantastic to see the recent upsurge in participants in the ParkRun and Couch to 5k as well as the emergence of new community based running clubs in Northern Ireland,” said Kelly.

“Centra Run Together will provide a fantastic opportunity for this new audience of runners to capitalise on their training sessions in the ParkRuns and have a bit of fun competing, with friends and family not just cheering them on but actually running with them!” she added.

Centra Marketing Director Michelle Fennell said: “With the launch of Centra Run Together, we are aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical and mental wellbeing throughout communities in Northern Ireland.

“The series of runs will provide a novel way for you and your ‘running mate’, whether that’s your brother, cousin, daughter or schoolfriend, to get involved in a local community event, help raise funds for Action Cancer and hopefully have a lot of fun!” she added.

Gillian Thomson, Corporate Fundraising Officer for charity partner Action Cancer said: “Centra Run Together is a great new concept to encourage people to team up and raise funds for those affected by cancer. Cancer touches so many people from all walks of life and all profits and sponsorship money from this event will go towards helping families throughout Northern Ireland by delivery life-saving services right to their doorstep.

“I would encourage anyone whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to get fit, to run for a reason and help raise vital funds for Action Cancer”, she added.

For further information and registration details for the inaugural Run Together event in Belfast on June 5th visit www.facebook.com/CentraNI or log onto www.centra.co.uk/runtogether

Centra is a leading convenience brand in Northern Ireland for retailers who want a convenient range of fresh, local products. Core to the Centra philosophy is building vibrant communities. Centra stores throughout the province are owned and managed by independent retailers who are committed to supporting towns and villages in which they live and operate. This is why, every year, we sell in excess of £96 million worth of products from Northern Ireland in our stores.

Run Together T’s & C’s:

Participants must enter each race as a pair.
Entry costs £24 for a team of two adults (16 and over), £20 for an adult and child (under 16) and £16 for a team of two under 16s.
In the event of any participant under the age of 12 taking part they must be accompanied by an adult or be under parental or guardian supervision.
Participants will receive a T-shirt and goody bag and those completing the race will receive a bespoke medal.
All profits and 100% of sponsorship money from the event will go to Action Cancer.
Full terms and conditions can be found on www.centra.co.uk/runtogether