Kildare school kids kick off one of the biggest 1916 events

A 32-county relay to mark the start of Seachtain na Gaeilge got underway in Co Kildare with the starting line at Castletown House in Celbridge.

Rith 2016, will run over 11 days, with the 800km through the island of Ireland as part of one of the biggest commemorative events of the 1916 Easter Rising.

It is expected that over 50,000 people will run in Rith 2016 this year, with the number of participants steadily increasing since the festival began in 2010.

As part of the race, runners will pass along a baton which contains a message of hope from President Michael D Higgins.

This will be placed in the baton at the beginning of the event and passed from person to person, from kilometre to kilometre until it reaches the finish line.

Críona Ní Dhálaigh, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, will read the message from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, at the end of Rith 2016.

The event will conclude in Trinity College on 14 March with Seo Linn performing at a concert in the capital.

Marcus Mac Ruairí, Rith Chairperson said the support for the Irish language displayed by those coming out to support the runners on their journey was “heartening and encouraging."

Follow the route of the Rith here.