The Spirit Of Enterprise: Greencastle
The spirit of enterprise is alive and well and, at times, found in the most unlikely of places. On a cold and wet Boxing Day over a thousand people took part in the Annual Greencastle 5 Mile Road Race.
Runners travelled from far and near to participate in the event best known for its twists and turns and the extreme challenge of its final oxygen-sapping hill.
The race was first held in 1986 and attracted approximately 80 entrants, yet this year’s 27th outing proved to be its biggest.
Even during the severe snow and freezing temperatures of 2009 and 2010 the race went ahead, as hundreds of people came to test their resolve and prove their fitness.
But there is another side to the Greencastle story and it is one of incredible enterprise: individual enterprise and community enterprise.
On the day of the race traffic is directed by a team of stewards with care and precision around the narrow roads to ensure a smooth arrival and speedy exit.
Before the race, registration takes place without fuss; during the race, marshals guide the runners with care; while afterwards hot tea revives even the most tired of legs.
The organisation of the event appears effortless, as participants and supporters meet and mix and catch up with each other while gathering at the start line.
The leadership of the event ensures everyone is in the right place at the right time and at the appointed hour the gun sounds and runners surge forward with a release of energy they hope will carry them to the finish.
The idea for the race came some 27 years ago from a group of local people who wanted to do something to help the area and their original vision is as relevant today as it was then.
The many sponsors of the race show how an enterprising idea can attract investment and raise money, regardless of how difficult the economic climate.
Race technology has kept up-to-date with online registration accounting for the majority of entrants and the introduction of microchips to ensure accurate finishing times.
In a climate where enterprise is needed to rebuild the economy and support local communities, the Annual Greencastle 5 Mile Road Race is an example of how people with vision and leadership can capture the spirit of enterprise.
SO, as we start another year in the search for enterprise it is good to see how a group of people with an idea and commitment can make a difference.
What do you think? Do you have the spirit of enterprise? Get in touch, we would love to hear your views contact Nick on 028 8224 9494 or via Twitter @nick_oec.
