FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
'Get Entries In Early' For 2009 Belfast Marathon
Organisers of Northern Ireland's biggest sporting event have issued a
rallying call to potential entrants – get in there early.
The 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon takes place on Monday 4 May,
but race officials are already braced for an early rush of entries.
The Marathon's new look website has been officially launched – and along
with it an incentive for those already in training for the May Day
extravaganza to get their entries in as soon as possible.
"Get your entry in before 9 November and we'll knock ten per cent off your
fee," announced Danny O'Connor, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon Organizing Committee, at a press conference in the city centre
Premier Inn.
And Danny added that this year's restructured prize fund – which offered
more rewards for local athletes – is to be retained, due to its popularity.
"Obviously, we'll still be seeking to attract some of the elite overseas
athletes, but once again we're making more money available to the 'home'
side, so there are going to be more prizes, and so more incentives, for our
own local athletes.
"We enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2008: Marashet Jumma smashed the
women's record, set by fellow Ethiopian Lemma Urge in 2006, by more than
two minutes. But, our own Marty Deane's record of 2:15:51 has stood since
1986, so the challenge to beat that is still out there," said Danny.
Officially launching the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon,
Councillor Michael Browne, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development
Committee, spoke of his high regard for everyone who has taken part in the
marathon over the years.
"It is hard to believe that it is some 28 years since Belfast City Council,
and our partners, took the decision to stage the first Belfast City
Marathon.
"Over the intervening years, the event has gone from strength to strength.
When other marathons fell by the wayside, Belfast continued to grow. Now,
with the resurgence of interest in marathon running, we are benefiting from
record entry numbers each and every year," continued Councillor Browne.
"Having taken part in one leg of the relay this past May, I certainly can
appreciate the effort that many people go to in taking part in the
Marathon, and every single one of them has my utmost admiration. Once
again, there is no doubt that all those taking part will be encouraged, as
I was, by the warmth of the support they will find along the route, which
takes in all four corners of our city," he said.
Danny O'Connor also pointed out that the Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon is the biggest single participatory sporting event in Northern
Ireland.
"It is also one of the biggest charity fundraising events, with almost
every runner or walker taking part to benefit their favourite charity," he
concluded.
The official charity for the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is
the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Linda Alexander, Regional Fundraising Manager, said:
"It is such a privilege to have been chosen as the official charity of the
Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2009. We are urging everyone no
matter how young or old to take part in next years Deep RiverRock Belfast
City Marathon and to support the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust here in
Northern Ireland."
Trina Stewart, Project Development Manager with title sponsors Deep
RiverRock, said:
"We are delighted to support the Belfast City Marathon for the third
successive year. We know that the 2009 event will be the best yet, and we
wish all the participants and organisers the best of luck."
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is sponsored by Aer Lingus,
Belfast City Council, Charles Hurst Renault, Eventsec, New Balance, Sport
Northern Ireland, Translink, Reach EPS, Tayto and Up and Running. Media
partners are the Daily Mirror and U105. Official accommodation partner is
Premier Inn.
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is organised by Belfast City
Marathon Ltd., in partnership with Athletics Northern Ireland, Belfast City
Council, the Department for Regional Development, Newtownabbey Borough
Council, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Sustrans and Translink.
For full details of the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon,
including online entry, visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com
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