FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lord Mayor, Miss Northern Ireland and Olympian Kerry O'Flaherty inspire
community to hurdle to the finish line for the
Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon
Entries now open at BelfastCityMarathon.com
Entries are already coming in for the 36th Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon following the successful 4th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half
Marathon which, started and finished at Ormeau Park, just over two weeks
ago with 3,000 competitors.
The 2017 Full Marathon event will be held on May Day Bank Holiday, 1st May
2017 and was launched this morning (Tuesday 4th October) by David Seaton,
Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon at the new Mencap
Centre, Belfast, home of Mencap NI, the official charity partner of this
year's race.
Technical Race Director, David Seaton said "In the past number of years, we
have seen our participant numbers grow as there has been a resurgence of
running in the local community and further afield. Whether it is the full
marathon distance or a leg in the relay event, many more people are signing
up to get involved and more importantly get fit."
"Following the success of our secondary event, the Deep RiverRock Belfast
City Half Marathon on the 18th September 2016, we are confident that
entries for the Main Marathon Run will increase, as entrants will want to
push themselves to tackle the 26.2mile distance and set themselves a goal."
Assisting the Chairman to launch the 2017 event at the new Mencap Centre,
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Brian Kingston said: "36 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 benefiting from
record entry numbers each and every year."
"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," concluded Councillor Kingston.
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 2017, we will again be supporting the
magnificent work of Mencap, as our officially nominated charity," announced
David Seaton.
Margaret Kelly, Director of Mencap in Northern Ireland, said; "We are so
excited to once again be the official charity partner for the Deep
RiverRock Belfast City Marathon. Last May we raised an amazing £125,000 and
we are calling on everyone across Northern Ireland to help us raise even
more in 2017."
"You don't have to be a champion runner to take part on Marathon Day -
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 or walk in aid of Mencap this year."
Margaret continued "Funds raised from the marathon will go toward a number
of initiatives including our soon-to-be-launched Family Support Programme,
which will provide bespoke, one-on-one guidance for families with a young
child with a learning disability. This innovative initiative is a first for
our charity and we are launching it this autumn thanks to the money raised
by the marathon. However, we still need funds to help us extend this
programme over the next few years and reach even more children and families
who urgently need our help.
"We encourage everyone to 'Step up for Mencap' this year and we can't wait
to see everyone on Marathon Day!"
Also celebrating the 11th year as title sponsor, Deep RiverRock's
Sponsorship Manager, Rob Crabbe said: "As Northern Ireland's favourite
water brand with its roots in Tullynacross, Co. Antrim, Deep RiverRock is
delighted to continue its long standing partnership with Belfast City
Marathon in 2017.
"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."
David continued, this year are giving participants an option of receiving
their packs via post (standard or special service) or at one of the many
race pack collection dates, which can be found on
www.belfastcitymarathon.com. This will enable us to ensure everyone
receives their pack ahead of time allowing participants to dedicate 100%
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 these plans for Race Day as it sees us fitting in
line with 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 will be making the entertainment at the finish
area bigger and better, an event not to be missed." David Seaton commented
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