Belfast City Marathon heads for another record year
Organisers of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting event are gearing up for yet another record-breaking year.
Already, almost 1,800 people have signed up for the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, which takes place on Monday 4 May.
“That’s more than double the number of entries we had at this time last year,” announced Danny O’Connor, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Organizing Committee, at a press conference in the city centre Premier Inn.
“Already we have 1,000 runners signed up for the main Marathon, and they have been joined by 100 relay teams, each made up of 500 people, and some 220 walkers. Each of these entry levels is significantly higher than at this time 12 months ago.”
And Danny revealed that, this year, everyone can get a piece of the Marathon action – even if they’re not taking part!
“We have launched our first ever commemorative T-shirt, which is available for the modest price of £20 from our official outlet, at Up And Running in Wellington Place.”
Danny added that restructured prize fund – which offers 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, with almost 15,000 people taking part in the four events: this is more than double the entry level of just six years ago – and it looks like we are going to have even more people taking part this year,” said Danny.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley, 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,” he said.
“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 the Lord Mayor.
“While the marathon is undoubtedly a serious business, especially for competitive runners, it is also about having fun and enjoying yourself – whether you are a serious runner, 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,” 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, and already we have seen a huge level of interest in, and support for, this year’s official charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust,” concluded Danny.
Linda Alexander, Regional Fundraising Manager with the CF Trust, 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 this year’s 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.”
Enda Corneille, Director of Corporate Affairs, with the Marathon’s newest sponsor, Aer Lingus, added:
“Aer Lingus is delighted to be Gold Sponsor of the 2009 Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon, and we are proud to carry athletes from around the world to help them compete in this ultimate test of endurance and will power.
“This year, the number of international runners has increased substantially and we welcome them all with open arms to experience what Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.”
Dominic Walsh, Chairman of Sport Northern Ireland, added:
“Sport Northern Ireland is delighted to be involved once again in the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for 2009. The event is growing in strength and stature under the Chairmanship of Danny O’Connor and Event Manager Claire O’Reilly.
“We are confident that the 2009 event will be even bigger and better than ever and would encourage everyone to get an entry form and sign up now.”
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 |
