The Run
Rith 2012 is a national Irish language festival that will take place between the 8-17 March 2012 during Seachtain na Gaeilge. A 700km course has been laid out for a massive cross-county relay race, running from morning to night, starting in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore, Donegal) to Inis Mór (Aran Islands, Co. Galway), over a 10 day period, with thousands of people taking part across the 200 towns/townlands on the route.
A hand carved baton with a concealed message hidden inside will be carried during thr Rith 2012 run from start to finish. This message will be read out as part of the closing ceremony on St. Patrick's Day in Inis Mor, Aran Islands in March 2012
Rith 2012 is a new and innovative way for communities to celebrate the Irish language and culture in a visual way across Ireland. Rith 2012 is also a fund-raising activity, with a special fund established as a result of Rith that will be used to promote the development of Irish in the community. The first Rith festival took place in Ireland in 2010 when 20,000 people took place in the festival.