What is Rith 2012?
Rith 2012 is a national festival that will take place between 8th and 17th March 2012 as one of the main events of Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish language week). A 1000km course has been laid out for a massive relay-race run, running from morning to night, from Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore, Donegal) to Inis Mór (Aran Islands, Galway) over 10 days with thousands of people taking part in over 200 towns and villages.
A special hand-carved baton has been designed that will carry a hidden message throughout Rith 2012. At the end of the run, the message of support for the Irish language, will be read out as part of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Inis Mór, followed by a party to remember!
Anyone can run on any part of the course. You don't need to pre-register but if you want to be involved you can buy your own kilometre on www.rith.ie and for that part of the run, you and your group will lead the run and carry the baton!
Rith 2012 is a new way to celebrate the Irish language an culture in a way that is visual, fun, community based and can be celebrated throughout the island of Ireland. Rith 2012 also aims to raise money to create a new fund for the promotion of the Irish language in the community.