HUNDREDS OF RUNNING events are staged in all parts of the country every week but the Remembrance Run in the Phoenix Park is a truly unique event.

Tomás Greally / SPORTSFILE Tomás Greally / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

More than 3,000 participants endured the inclement weather conditions to complete the annual 5km event in memory of those no longer with us.

Among the large field was a group of 65 Gardai running in memory of two fallen colleagues, Anthony Golden and Adrian Donohoe.

A minute’s silence preceded the start while a lone piper played Amazing Grace to set participants on their way around the course.

Organised by Athletics Ireland and Frank Grealy, the event is now in its fourth year and continues to go from strength to strength.

“This was a unique, deeply emotive, inspirational and very special day in the Phoenix Park as participants had to negotiate the various hills, bends and puddles on their journey to the finish line – a bit like life itself,” the organisers said.

Olympic 1500m Champion, Ronnie Delany, was on hand to lend his support to those who endured the driving wind and rain.

A Special Wall of Remembrance allowed participants to pay tributes to loved ones who have passed and those currently battling illness.