Thousands of participants are expected to take part in the Solas Run and Walk for Life across Waterford city and Dungarvan today, Sunday, October 11, with events getting underway on the Quay at 10am. The annual charity fundraiser supports the Solas Cancer Support Centre, which delivered over 9,000 one-to-one support sessions to 1,433 clients in Waterford and Dungarvan in 2025.
The main event features a 10k run alongside a 4k walk designed to encourage family participation. Hundreds of people are also taking to the streets in Dungarvan for the simultaneous Sunday fundraiser. The event is sponsored by UPMC Whitfield Hospital and WLR FM.
Funding Cancer Support Services in Waterford
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, described the weekend as the most action-packed and exciting period of the year for the charity. “This year our logo reminds us that we supported 1,433 clients in our service in Waterford and Dungarvan in 2025,” Ms McDaid said. “This is possible because of the generosity of the community which we serve and the Run and Walk for Solas remains our main fundraiser annually.”
The operational demands on the charity require significant financial backing. Last year’s event raised €230,000, which went toward running a service that will cost over €1.2 million to operate in 2026. The funds directly support ongoing counseling, therapies, and specialized community groups.
First-Time Participant Shares Personal Story
Among those preparing to complete the course for the first time is Adam Moloney, a Waterford man who experienced the support of the centre after a rare cancer diagnosis. Mr Moloney was 30 years old when he was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer developing in muscle tissue, in September 2023. Initially attempting to carry on without seeking help, he later reached out to Solas for counseling and reflexology.
“Since reaching out to Solas, my whole approach to life while fighting this battle has completely changed,” Mr Moloney said. He also participates in the centre’s monthly Men’s Hub activity for individuals diagnosed with cancer or bereaved by it, describing the sessions as his only time to switch off from illness. “You might not know our names, but every step you take is carrying us,” he said of the runners and walkers. “You are keeping the lights on in a place that has brought so many of us back to life.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Solas Run and Walk
Where do the events take place?
The 10K run and 4K walk take place in Waterford city—starting on the Quay—and in Dungarvan, with events getting underway at 10am on Sunday, October 11.
How can people register to participate?
Registration for the annual charity event is available online through the official website at Solascentre.ie.
What services do the funds support?
The money raised directly funds the operational costs of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, which delivered over 9,000 one-to-one support sessions to 1,433 clients across Waterford and Dungarvan in 2025.
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