https://www.facebook.com/TheLineUpChoir/videos/1072183819514746/

ORGANISERS ESTIMATE THAT more than 120,000 people have taken part in the annual Darkness Into Light charity run this morning.

The event has grown and grown in popularity in recent years. In 2009, just 200 people turned out for the main run in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

Overseas participants began taking part in 2014, and this year there were events in locations as diverse as London, Reykjavik, Perth, San Francisco and Abu Dhabi.

The Darkness Into Light 5k run/walk, which raises funds for suicide and self-harm charity Pieta House, got under way at 4.15am.

Last year, around 100,000 people took part in events around the country as dawn was breaking.

“To feel the energy and the support of 120,000 people at our back is overwhelming. This is the Irish at their very best and it gives us the courage and confidence to continue doing the work of Pieta House,” founder Joan Freeman said at the event in the Phoenix Park.

The relationship between Pieta House and the community, although forged in tragedy, provides so much hope for individuals and families throughout the country.

Here are some photos from today’s event, which took place in almost 120 locations.

Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Pieta House founder Joan Freeman at the Phoenix Park event in Dublin. Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Phoenix Park Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Mick McCormack St Nathy's College Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon Mick McCormack

Pat Dooley The Dooley Family from Limerick/Galway walking in Bray Pat Dooley

Máire Houlihan DIL Phoenix Park Máire Houlihan

Darren Doyle Darren and Amanda Doyle, Athlone Darren Doyle
https://www.facebook.com/oceanfmireland/videos/1216079241738081/
https://www.facebook.com/110439962306628/videos/1309904689026810/

Cliodhna de Paor DIL Limerick Cliodhna de Paor

Cian Crowdy DIL Cork Cian Crowdy

Abu Dhabi

Diarmuid Waters Abu Dhabi Diarmuid Waters

Frankie Dolan Galway City Fire & Rescue Frankie Dolan

Michelle Doyle DIL Athlone Michelle Doyle

Eoin Ryan Marlay Park DIL Eoin Ryan

Aisling Lewis Mitchelstown DIL Aisling Lewis

Erica Fleming Phoenix Park DIL Erica Fleming

DIL Perth

Stillwater Communications DIL Perth Stillwater Communications

Marieke van Regteren Altena DIL Sydney Marieke van Regteren Altena

Eoghan O'Kelly DIL Ottawa Eoghan O'Kelly

The marquee event at the Phoenix Park got under way at the Papal Cross at 4.15am. There were also Dublin events in Malahide, Marlay Park and Skerries.

In Cork, there were runs in the city (UCC), Clonakilty, Mallow, Ballyvolane, Castletownbere, Midleton, Carrigaline, Mitchelstown and Inchigeelagh. Limerick’s runs took place in the city, Newcastle West and Kilmallock.

Aside from Galway city, there are runs throughout the county in Tuam, Ballinasloe, Ballygar, Clifden, Kinvara, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr, Inis Mór, Inishbofin and in An Chaethrú Rua.

For a full list of venues you can check out the Darkness Into Light website. 

Note: If you took part, please send your photos to pictures@thejournal.ie. 

- with reporting by Daragh Brophy

Suicide helplines: 

• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Console 1800 247 247 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie - (suicide, self-harm)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

Read: ‘Imagine being suicidal and waiting hours and hours for help’

Read: 100,000 people will get up ridiculously early to walk and run for a great cause tomorrow