Lindie Naughton, Evening Herald, 20th December 2007

From small beginnings in Dublin's Phoenix Park 25 years ago, the GOAL Mile has become as much a part of Christmas as mince pies and pudding for thousands all over the country.

Last year's GOAL Mile took place at 55 locations and raised over EUR300,000 for the poorest of the poor in the developing world.

This year, GOAL Miles take place in 65 locations, including nine in the Dublin area alone.

New locations for the GOAL Mile are Athlone, Gort, Killarney, Athy, Johnstown Bridge, Thomastown, Termonfeckin, Bettystown, Dysrat, Clonmel, Ballydesmond and Malahide.

Although most take place on Christmas morning, Letterkenny stages its GOAL mile next Sunday, while Leitrim, Gort and Claremorris wait until New Year's Day.

One GOAL Mile has already taken place. 240 youngsters from St Patrick's National School in Greystones, Co Wicklow, ran their mile on December 7.

A few of them will join the older members of the family on St Stephen's Day in the Greystones GOAL Mile at the Eire 6g GAA grounds.

Tullamore track is the venue for one of the longest established GOAL Miles on Christmas Day.

Since the sad death of Paddy Larkin, other club members, including Irish marathon champion Pauline Curley, are keeping the tradition going and promise lots of fun for all who come along.

Primary school teacher Niall Carty from Finglas is organising a personal "GOAL triathlon" this year.

He and five friends will cycle 13 miles to the Belfield track, run a mile there and then head for the Forty Foot for a brief swim before getting back on their bikes for the return spin to Finglas.

Dublin businessman Kevin Dempsey, who is currently trekking to the South Pole, hopes to be back in Ireland in time to take part in the Belfield GOAL Mile, dressed in full polar trekking gear and with replica sled.

Last year, over 3,000 ran in Belfield, which is the GOAL Mile flagship event.

For many years, the late Noel Carroll kept everyone in order as the chief 'Santa' on the day.

Jimmy Magee has taken over as MC in recent years, while GOAL founder John O'Shea usually runs the final mile of the day.

Belfield certainly is special and if that's where you're headed, get there early – first mile is at 10am and traffic could be heavy.

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Last year's Thurles GOAL Mile was one of 55 locations around the country to host the festive event