Operation Transformation Gets the Nation Moving

This year RTÉ's Operation Transformation is teaming up once again with the Irish Sports Council to organise a number of special nationwide sporting events. Get your family out and active this coming Saturday - 14 January. Wherever you are in Ireland, Operation Transformation is coming to a town near you!

This Saturday the Operation Transformation National Walk is taking place in a variety of locations all around Ireland. Simply log on to www.rte.ie/ot5/featured/walk.html for further details of venues and times and turn up on the day with your runners on, ready to go.

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. And better yet, it's free. The walks are all Irish Heart Foundation Slí na Sláinte routes which use signage at kilometre intervals on established walking routes to help walkers identify the distance covered. Slí na Sláinte is designed to encourage people to walk more frequently and to enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

There are 30 walks taking place around the country so there's no excuse for missing out. Start times range between 10am and 2:30pm.

This is your chance to get out and about and do some walking with your family, friends and community. Not only is Operation Transformation looking for communities to join in but one of the show's experts could be joining them.

Fitness guru Karl Henry will be encouraging walkers at the Canal walk in Dublin city, Dr. Eddie Murphy will be keeping an eye on participants in Tullamore, Dr. Eva Orsmond will be stepping it out in Mullingar, RTÉ Radio 1's John Murray will be taking part in the walk at the University of Limerick, and the five leaders will, of course, be doing their local walks too.

Every walk will have a local leader who will set the pace and show participants how to get the best value out of their walk. The Operation Transformation leaders and experts will be out in force to walk with you and encourage the whole country to take the first step towards a healthier life.

The Leaders Venues:
Kayleigh - University of Limerick Arena, 12 noon start time

Adrian - Tullamore Kilbeggan Bridge, 11am start time

Grace - The Arches Bar, Mallow 12 noon start time

Natalie - Canal Walk - Meeting Point Croke Park, 11am start time

Killian - Marlay Park, 11am start time

The fifth series of Operation Transformation is sponsored by Safefood.

For further information please see: www.rte.ie/ot and www.rte.ie/radio1/thejohnmurrayshow