FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
40 years of Belfast City Marathon
Steeped in history, Belfast City Marathon moves into its 40th year with new
title sponsor Mash Direct on Sunday 1st May 2022.
The Belfast City Marathon first launched in 1982 through Belfast City
Council and with Guinness as the title sponsor, they helped set up the
first event of its kind in the city. The marathon course started at the
old Maysfield Leisure Centre, with 3021 marathon runners setting off to
complete a two-lap course. Greg Hannon was the winner in a time of 2:20:25
whilst Sue Boreham was the first women across the line in time of 3:11:26.
As the novelty of marathon running started to fade in the late ‘80s, the
event organisers took the opportunity to introduce new events, including
the Team Relay in 1989, the 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run events in 1997 and the
Belfast City Marathon became the biggest participatory sporting event in
Northern Ireland.
2019 became a momentous year, when the marathon experienced a major course
revamp, taking in more of the city of Belfast; North, East, South and West
and its historic sites. The event also moved to a Sunday for the first
time ever.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Tom Haire said:
"Belfast City Council is delighted to support the Mash Direct Belfast City
Marathon and we'd like to wish the organisers and participants every
success for the event's 40th anniversary year. As the instigators of the
original marathon back in 1982, we're incredibly proud of how the event has
grown and developed over the years, becoming the largest mass sport
participatory event in Northern Ireland, energising the city and attracting
tens of thousands of participants, including international competitors over
the years. Belfast City Council continues to be a proud supporter and
funder of the Belfast City Marathon, and we look forward to seeing what
this milestone marathon has in store – from the support on the streets to
the achievements of both individual athletes and teams – and of course, the
phenomenal funds raised for local charities."
The sustainability of the event is completely reliant on community support
and local volunteers – schools, universities, businesses, and churches all
get involved to deliver a successful event. This year they will need over
500 volunteers to help at the new Expo and Pack Collection at the Titanic
Exhibition Centre (Thursday 28th April – set up day and Friday 29th
April/Saturday 30th April is open to participants) and on Race Day (Sunday
1st May).
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon takes place on Sunday 1st May from
the iconic Stormont Estate with over 16,000 participants expected to take
part across the Marathon Run and Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and 8 Mile
Walk.
Why not help make history by signing up (or volunteer) for the 40th
anniversary of the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Final entry will be
at midnight on 8th April.
For further details please visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon is sponsored by Athletics Northern
Ireland, Daily Mirror, Belfast City Council, Better, Cool FM (Downtown
Radio and Downtown Country), Translink, Belfast Live, Tayto, Four Star
Pizza and CompareNI.com. This year's official charity is Cancer Focus
Northern Ireland.
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