FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Save money like Mr Tayto and Denise Watson by entering the 37th Deep
RiverRock Belfast City EARLY
Entries now open at BelfastCityMarathon.com
Entries are already coming in for the 37th Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon which will be held on May Day Bank Holiday, 7th May 2018. The
event was launched this morning (Wednesday 25th October) by David Seaton,
Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon at the Mary Peters
Track, Belfast.
"Since its inception in 1982, the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon has
grown in both numbers and appeal. This annual May Day extravaganza now
sees some 17,000 people take to the streets in and around Belfast in what
is currently the biggest mass participation sporting event in Northern
Ireland. Whether you compete in the full marathon, run a relay leg,
participate in the fun run or contest the relay event there is something on
the menu to suit all athletic tastes."
Assisting the Chairman with the launch at the Mary Peters Track, Deputy
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Sonia Copeland commented:
"37 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. When other marathons fell by the wayside,
Belfast continued to grow.
Now, with the resurgence of interest in running - especially as a free and
efficient way of getting and staying fit - we are benefitting from record
entry numbers each and every year.
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 Copeland.
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.
Margaret Kelly, Director of Mencap Northern Ireland, said "We are delighted
to be the official charity partner for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon.
You don't have to be a champion runner to #MoveIt4Mencap on Marathon Day
and anyone can get involved, whether that's signing up a relay team or
bringing the kids along to the Fun Run. No matter what the event, we
encourage everyone to run, walk or wheel in aid of Mencap Northern Ireland
and the 42,000 people in Northern Ireland with a learning disability."
Margaret continued, "Funds raised will help develop our family support
service, a new initiative that offers guidance for families when a child is
diagnosed with a learning disability. We have been able to support over
100 families so far by providing a bespoke parenting course that helps
guide parents through the early days of parenting a baby or young child
with a learning disability.
Next year your generosity will allow us to further develop these new
services as well as supporting adults with a learning disability in
employment and housing. We encourage everyone to #MoveIt4Mencap this year
and we can't wait to see everyone on Marathon Day!"
The Chairman commented that the organisers are extremely grateful to Deep
River Rock for their ongoing and generous sponsorship over the past 11
years and also to Belfast City Council for their support which has been
continuous since the inaugural event some 37 years ago.
Deep RiverRock's Sponsorship Manager, Rob Crabbe said: "As Northern
Ireland's favourite water brand with its roots in Co. Antrim, Deep
RiverRock is delighted to continue its long standing partnership with
Belfast City Marathon in 2018.
With a shared vision to encourage more people to lead active and hydrated
lifestyles, Deep RiverRock's partnership with Belfast City Marathon is a
perfect fit. Deep RiverRock is proud to be associated with such a world
class event that resonates so well with the local community and as a
company we are honoured to have played a part in the success of what is now
a key event in Northern Ireland's sporting calendar. With a bigger range
including flavoured water and our new Relax & Revive waters, we delighted
to be able to provide hydration every step of the way!"
Mr David Seaton concluded that "Following the success of our sister event,
the Deep River Rock Belfast City Half Marathon urged everyone to take
advantage of our "early bird" rates and join them on our entry list. In
addition, as a result of feedback from our participants that for the first
time, and courtesy of Deep River Rock, each water station will provide
bottles, as opposed to cups, of water to all competitors. Hopefully this
water will help sustain the competitors to the finish line at Ormeau Park
where this year, with the help of sponsors and our Charity partner, there
will be extra entertainment awaiting spectators, participants and family
members. Enjoy the day!"
###
|
