Press Release

Putting best foot forward for Marathon effort

27 Sep, 2013 (Fri)

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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