PHOTOS Over 2,500 Young Athletes Take Part in the Kids Fun Run 2026 at University of Limerick

The Kids Fun Run 2026 – Aaron Savage and Freya Schwanke pictured above were the winners of the 4th, 5th, 6th, class race. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

The Children’s Grief Centre were chosen as the official charity partner Kids Fun Run 2026

More than 2,500 primary school children embraced the joy of movement today as they took part in the Kids Fun Run 2026 on the grounds of the University of Limerick. The event provided a safe, inclusive, and energising environment for young people to get active, supported every step of the way by cheering parents, guardians, grandparents, and family members.

The Kids Fun Run is all about inspiring kids to experience the positive benefits of healthy habits and physical activity from an early age. Divided into four starts to cater to children of all abilities and age groups, the event ensured that every child had the opportunity to participate at a level that was both fun and achievable.

The first wave of the day was dedicated to children using wheelchairs and walkers, receiving a powerful ovation from the crowd as they made their way along the track. The following race welcomed children from Junior Infants up to Sixth Class, with distances ranging from 1KM to 2KM, creating an atmosphere full of energy, excitement, and encouragement.

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The Kids Fun Run 2026 is proudly held in partnership with Limerick City & County Council and supports this year’s charity partner, the Children’s Grief Centre, which provides vital services to children and young people coping with loss across Ireland.

Carol Fitzgough Fundraising and Events Coordinator for the Children’s Grief Centre said, “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as the official charity for the Kid’s Fun Run at the Great Limerick Run 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together, inspire young runners, and raise vital support for the Children’s Grief Centre. Every step the children take will help make a real difference in the lives of those we support.”

“Limerick City and County Council is delighted to support the continued growth of the Great Limerick Run: Kids Fun Run, a fantastic opportunity for young people to get active, have fun, and develop positive attitudes towards health and wellbeing from an early age. This aligns with the Council’s community-based approach to improving physical, mental and social well-being for all. As one of the many family-friendly events taking place across the May Bank Holiday weekend as part of Riverfest Limerick 2026, the Kids Fun Run is a wonderful celebration of community spirit and participation, showcasing the very best of Limerick’, said Sean Lenihan, Director of Service, Economic, Tourism, Culture, Property and Corporate Buildings.

Race Director Sliabh Wells added, “The Kids Fun Run is one of the most uplifting events of the weekend. Seeing over 2,500 children smiling as they cross the finish line cheered on by their families is what makes this event so special. It is about more than running, it is about confidence, inclusion, and creating positive memories for young people of all abilities.”

“We are extremely grateful to Limerick City & County Council for their continued support, and we are proud to use this year’s event to highlight the important work of the Children’s Grief Centre.”

This year, the Kids Fun Run is delighted to welcome the Children’s Grief Centre as its official charity partner, shining a light on the important work being done to support children and young people navigating grief and loss across Ireland.

The Kids Fun Run leads into the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, taking place on Sunday, 3rd May. With over 20,000 people taking part in the event across the weekend, it’s a clear demonstration of Limerick’s ongoing commitment to health, community, and participation at all levels.