Charities named for North West 10k

The 29th annual North West 10K has hit the ground running with the reveal of this year’s charities and over one million euro has been raised to date. The 2026 North West 10k was formally launched on Monday night in the Mount Errigal Hotel by the Committee’s Vice-Chairperson Nancy McNamee.

The charities No Barriers Foundation, Autism Family Support Group Letterkenny, and Alcohol Forum Ireland Donegal Branch will receive the proceeds from this year’s 10K walk/run in Letterkenny on 5th May 2025.

Three months of fundraisers are already being planned to bring the charity run up to the magic million euro mark.

The first event was staged in 1997 and to date it has raised €983,924 for 40 local charities, with all money staying within Donegal.

“You can rest assured that this year, we will go over the million,” said Chairperson Neil Martin at Monday’s launch event at the Mount Errigal Hotel.

“So many worthy causes have been able to use the money raised from North West 10k to enhance the quality of the services they provide. That is something that the North West 10k Committees over the years are very proud of and makes their input very rewarding,” he said.

Looking ahead to the May Bank Holiday walk/run race, Neil Martin issued the committee's thanks to Donegal County Councillors who have been generous in their support of the event through the Members Development Fund. He also acknowledged the essential partnership with the Gardaí and Donegal County Council, whose assistance with road safety and logistics is critical to the race's success.

Neil also thanked this year’s five returning main sponsors: Donegal Daily, Brian McCormick InterSport, Century Cinemas, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre. He also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Donegal Volunteer Centre on the day of the charity event.

The North West 10K committee organises the race and supports charities in their three months of fundraising ahead of the event.

Neil said: “I want to thank the current North West committee for their endeavours since we started planning for the 28th event back in November. We have a very dedicated team who have worked very diligently so I'm confident that we are on track to make Monday 5th of May a very successful event for the charities and for the people of the North West who have supported us so well.”

Online entries are now open for the 2026 North West 10K on 5th May 2025, start time 11am.

Sponsorship cards are available from both charities and the public is encouraged to show their support to fundraising events to be announced in the coming weeks.