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Rith race ends in Dublin after 11 days of Irish language promotion

Tens of thousands take part in event's fourth edition · Rith's last section runs in front of O'Connell Street historic post office

Rith 2016 going through Belfast.
Rith 2016 going through Belfast. Author: Rith
A pro-Irish language relay course is today closing its fourth edition in Dublin after a week and a half touring all over Ireland. This year's Rith -Race, in Irish- bears a special dimension as the 100th anniversary of the Easter Uprising against the UK government is being commemorated.

Rith organizers expect some 50,000 people participating in the race and cultural events organized around it, surpassing the previous editions' 30,000 participants.

The race began on 4th March in Cill Droichead, Kildare. Day and night, the route has run across 700 kilometres through all 32 counties of Ireland, including both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Organizers say Rith helps to raise awareness on the Irish language. Furthermore, the relay course is used to raise funds for organizations working for Irish. Funds are raised via the sale of race kilometres -purchasing a kilometre gives the buyer the right to carry the race baton over that section- and donations. Rith organizers also involve schools in activities organized around the race.

Final section in front of historic post office in Dublin

Rith runners are today covering their last section in front of the O'Connell Street's general post office in Dublin, before ending at the Trinity College.

The general post office was the headquarters of the rebels during the Easter Uprising, which took place in Easter 1916, just one century ago. The rebels were seeking to put an end to British rule on the island, and even proclaimed the birth of the Irish Republic. The revolt was put down harshly, but it lit the spark for a new declaration of independence in 1919 and the start of the Irish War of Independence, which led to the creation of the Irish Free State.