FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Putting Best Foot Forward for Marathon Effort
Entries are already coming in for the 33rd Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon, which gets under starters' orders next May Day Bank Holiday
Monday, 5 May 2014.
"It is hugely encouraging that we already have several hundred people
signed up to take part this coming year," said Danny O'Connor, Chairman of
the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
"In the past number of years, we have more than doubled the number of
people taking part in the event, and, after this past weekend's very
successful first Half Marathon, we're looking forward to another fantastic
year."
The 2014 also has attracted two new sponsors – sportswear manufacturers
Asics and local healthcare company Randox Health.
Launching the 2014 event at the historic Ulster Hall, this morning
(Thursday 26 September), the Lord Mayor of Belfast, and keen runner,
Councillor Máirtin Ó Muilleoir, revealed that he himself would be putting
his best foot forward in just over seven months' time by taking part in his
home Marathon.
"More than 30 years ago, Belfast City Council, took the decision to stage
the first Belfast City Marathon – and, over the intervening years, the
event has gone from strength to strength," he said.
"When other marathons fell by the wayside, Belfast continued to grow. Now,
with the resurgence of interest in running – especially as a cheap and
efficient way of getting and staying fit – we are benefiting from record
entry numbers each and every year," continued the Lord Mayor, who was once
of more than 3,000 who completed Sunday's Half Marathon.
"While the marathon is undoubtedly a serious business, especially for
competitive runners, it is also about having fun and enjoying yourself –
whether you are facing up to the full 26.2 miles, or taking part in the
relay with a team of friends or just cheering the runners along.
"Belfast, quite rightly, is regarded as one of the world's friendliest
marathons, and runners from near and far are always encouraged by the
warmth of the support they find in all four corners of our city. Once
again, I would urge the people of Belfast to turn out and support the
runners on May Day – whether it be by offering a glass of water or a slice
of fruit, or merely an encouraging word," concluded Councillor Ó Muilleoir.
Danny O'Connor also pointed out that, in addition to the Deep RiverRock
Belfast City Marathon being the biggest single participatory sporting event
in Northern Ireland, it is also one of the biggest fundraising events, with
almost every runner or walker taking part to benefit charity.
"I'm delighted to announce that, in 2014, we will be supporting the
magnificent work of CLIC Sargent, as our officially nominated charity,"
announced Danny.
Teresa Sloan, Appeal Director with CLIC Sargent, said:
"The Belfast City Marathon is one of Northern Ireland's most famous and
well supported events, so to be chosen as the official charity for the 2014
event is something we're all very excited about. 2014 is a big year for
the charity…we hope to open Northern Ireland's first ever 'Home from Home'
for families of young children undergoing cancer treatments at the Royal
Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Although we are over half way, our
fundraising focus is to develop a second Home from Home specifically
designed for teenagers and young adults which will be located in close
proximity to the City Hospital.
"The 'Home from Home' appeal to date has received tremendous support from
the people of Northern Ireland, but we still have some way to go before we
reach the fundraising targets. So, if you're a runner, a relay racer or a
walker and are interested in getting involved in the 2014 marathon, why not
do it and 'Run for Home' for CLIC Sargent? Any money you raise will stay
in Northern Ireland and will go directly to the NI 'Homes from Home'
appeal."
For the first time in the history of the event, the organisers have
arranged for all participants to receive their race numbers, timing chips
and instructions two weeks before Race Day, enabling participants to
dedicate 100 per cent to their final few weeks of training and preparation.
On completion of the event, all entrants will receive their new finisher's
pack, containing their race t-shirt and a number of goodies.
"We are delighted with our new plans for Race Day, as it sees us fitting in
line with the arrangements made by many other main races in the UK and
Europe. We want to create a celebrative atmosphere on Race Day with the
assistance of all our sponsors and official charity, so we will be making
the entertainment at the finish area bigger and better, an event not to be
missed," commented Danny O'Connor.
Rob Crabbe, Sponsorship Manager with title sponsors Deep RiverRock, said he
was delighted that the water brand was continuing its partnership with one
of Northern Ireland's premier sporting events.
"We are delighted that Deep RiverRock is title sponsor of the Belfast City
Marathon for the eighth consecutive year. This marathon showcases the very
best of what Belfast City has to offer, making it an outstanding community
event both for the running world and the people of Northern Ireland, whilst
raising money for very worthwhile charities."
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is also sponsored by Asics,
Belfast City Council, Podium 4 Sport, Randox Laboratories, Tayto and
Translink. Media partners are the Daily Mirror and U105.
The 2014 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 and Translink. The
official charity for 2014 is CLIC Sargent Northern Ireland.
Entries for the 2014 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon are now open at
www.belfastcitymarathon.com.
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