When Bill McDermott started World Run Day in 1999, he envisaged not only an international celebration of the sport of running, but an occasion when individuals could contribute to a cause that has special meaning to them.

This vision has become a reality. Today, the 7th annual World Run Day will be marked by thousands of runners in hundreds of cities.

World Run Day takes place annually on the Sunday closest to 8 November. The date was chosen in honour of Bill McDermott’s brother who died in an alcohol-related car accident on 8 November, 1983 .

On the inaugural World Run Day, Bill ran six miles and donated the money he raised by sponsorship to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in memory of his brother. Some years, this coincides with the New York City and Athens Marathons, providing ample opportunity for runners around the world to join in the celebration.

For the second year, Caritas Malta is bringing this event to Malta, in collaboration with Zurrieq Wolves Athletic Club, and appeals to everyone to take part. In the spirit of this day, the general public is urged to run for their health, promote the event, and give to their favourite charity.

That is what the event is all about.

Anyone who is interested in taking part in this international event can register this morning from 8.15am onwards at Zurrieq Square.

There are fun runs for all ages: a toddler dash for the under 7s, 7-10 and 11-13, and a 3km run for 14 year-olds and over.

Assistant police commissioner Michael Cassar is supporting the event and will be participating in the 3km fun run. Caritas Malta director Monsignor Victor Grech will also be present at the event.

Messrs Intercomp of Marsa have once again kindly donated a Dell computer which will be awarded to the school or organisation raising the most funds. Every participant will receive a Lm5 voucher which can be exchanged at Teamsport, in Lija, and various other prizes will be raffled between all the entrants who donate more than Lm5.

These include a Sony Personal Playstation, a Fuji Finepix digital camera, two Air malta tickets for Cyprus, a Go Mobile pack, Helisureste Helicopter tickets to Gozo, Island Hotels’ weekend breaks, meals, etc.

Caritas Malta offers a wide spectrum of services to those most in need which include: the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Drug Users; The Foundation for Victims of Usury; Community Outreach through the Diaconia Unit; Counselling and Social Work Intervention; Prevention Education and Awareness and HelpAge.

Caritas Malta also offers help to various support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Epilepsy Malta, Huntington’s Chorea, the Thursday Club and the 21+ C for lonely young people.

Caritas Malta’s latest project has been the establishment of the Harm Reduction Shelter – a shelter for homeless people with drug abuse problems.

All Caritas Malta services are offered to the public free of charge.