MAR Launch #MARchAroundTheWorld Challenge

The Munster Association of Referees (MAR) recently launched the #MARchAroundTheWorld challenge which encourages everyone to keep active for the remainder of the year by walking, running or hiking. The challenge consists of a 'virtual' march around the world taking in some of rugby's most famous stadiums. The aim is to have over 45,000 km travelled by the end of 2021. To participate, you will need to log your walks, runs or hikes using the Strava and Challenge Hound apps. The challenge began over the Easter weekend with over 1,200 km already recorded by the participants involved thus far. https://twitter.com/MunsterReferee/status/1379808672415629312?s=20 With no games to officiate, the MAR were keen to come up with an initiative to keep their members active and to also interact with one another in a safe way as president Kline Pennefather explains: "With the Covid pandemic having a profound effect on sport and more to the point rugby, it became very clear after the Christmas break that the MAR was going to have little or no rugby to officiate at. I think it was January when most people were starting to feel the effects of the lockdown and it was at this time, I started to think about how we could get all our members to interact socially but safely. "I had three things that I was trying to achieve, firstly improve people's mental health, secondly improve people's fitness and activities, and thirdly to get all our members to interact with each other albeit virtually." IRFU Referee Development Manager for Munster, Chris Harrington, commented: “Rugby is an inclusive sport for all and this is one of the greatest aspects of our game. This idea is no different, and it is a huge opportunity for members & their families to get active, along with picking up some friends new & old along the way. The family fun aspect to this will hopefully engage in members & people getting to know each other better, whilst the exercise will help manage any mental or physical challenges that we may be going through." Project manager, Nigel Murphy, said: "We've made great progress. As of Wednesday, April 7th we have just left Principality Stadium in Wales and we are mauling towards Twickenham Stadium in England. The team has over 60 participants taking part but numbers are growing every day. Hopefully, more members will join the challenge and we will smash our goal!"

How To Get Involved

What are we doing? As a team, we hope to complete this challenge by walking or running 45,534.21km, by midnight 2021. Where are we going? Our virtual route will take us to some of our favourite rugby grounds. Beginning and ending in Thomond Park, we will also be travelling to the famous venues of the Six Nations and Rugby Championship. Thomond Park Aviva Stadium Murrayfield Stadium Principality Stadium Twickenham Stadium Stade De France Stadio Olimpico  Elis Park HBF Park Eden Park Estadio Jose Amalfitani Thomond Park So how does it work? Simply sign up! Download the Challenge Hound and Strava app and connect with the challenge: Challenge Hound Strava Record your distance each day and track the progress of the team on the live map. Who can join? Anyone! We want as many members as possible to be out running/walking but also, get the people at home or at work involved. It is open to members, family, and friends. For more information, visit https://mar.ie/aroundtheworld