The event was established in 1982 when GOAL’s late chairperson and international athlete, Noel Carroll, came up with the idea to encourage people to run a mile at The Phoenix Park on Christmas morning for GOAL.


Much to everyone’s delight, more than 250 people turned up. The event transferred to Belfield, UCD the following year and the flagship GOAL Mile was held there for the next 28 years.


The event has grown substantially since 1982; the flagship GOAL Mile attracts an attendance in excess of 4,000 each year. The Mile has also spread to other locations throughout the country and overseas to the UK and the US. It has become an integral part of Christmas for participating families and individuals who want to support GOAL’s work on behalf of the poorest of the poor.  


If you would like to organise a GOAL Mile in your area in 2012, please email fundraising@goal.ie and we will provide you with all the advice and assistance you need.