Press Release - Belfast City Marathon - 4/7/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          Contact: Mark Ashby
                                                 Media Relations
                                                 Tel: 028 9027 0641
                                                 Fax: 028 9043 8075
                                                 ashbym@belfastcity.gov.uk

     MARATHON’S NEW ROUTE SHOULD KEEP ATHLETES GOING 33% LONGER
 

April 7 2002, The 22nd Belfast City Marathon sponsored by Belfast City 
Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum is set to be bigger and better 
than ever before, marking a new departure this year with a new route and a 
new energy drink sponsor.  

Ireland’s most popular sports drink, Lucozade Sport, has come on board for 
the 2003 event which, for the first time will be starting from the gates of 
the City Hall.

Each athlete will have the chance to stock up on extra energy before the 
race begins with some Lucozade Sport and then refuel again when they 
complete 33% of the course.  As the popular sports drink is proven to keep 
athletes going 33% longer, a third Lucozade Sport refuelling point will be 
set up another 33% along the course and those who make it to the finish can 
again avail of an isotonic hit to refuel aching limbs.

Steven Campbell from Lucozade Sport was delighted to announce the new 
sponsorship and to endorse the new route.

“Lucozade Sport is delighted to come on board as the official energy drink 
of the Belfast City Marathon.  The marathon is a major event and I can 
think of no better way to demonstrate our commitment to pushing the 
boundaries or sports nutrition and supporting both amateur and professional 
athletes than supporting those taking part at all levels of this race.

“It is a very exciting time for us to announce our involvement as it 
coincides with the announcement of a new route and the biggest ever entry 
for the marathon.  I can also confirm that Lucozade Sport will be entering 
a team for the relay and I am currently in training for that myself,”   
said Steven.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Alex Maskey MLA, added:  “The Belfast 
City Marathon has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we are 
delighted that such a well-known brand will be lending their support to the 
event which will begin in spectacular fashion this year with the City Hall 
as a backdrop.”

Danny O’Connor, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon Organizing Committee 
said:  “We are very fortunate to be able to add Lucozade Sport to our list 
of sponsors for the first time this year.  We are expecting to have more 
than 10,000 people taking to the streets of Belfast on May 5 and I am sure 
many of them will want to take advantage of some Lucozade Sport to keep 
them going to the finish line.

“The change of route and in particular the new starting point reflect the 
increasing popularity of this event both from the point of view of those 
participating and in accommodating spectators.  As always, participants 
will cross the finish line at Maysfield Leisure Centre where they will each 
receive their medals and gifts from our sponsors.”

At 9.30am on May Day Bank Holiday Monday (May 5 2003) participants will 
start against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall.  The 
associated Wheelchair Marathon, Team Relay and Marathon Walk, will start at 
the same time as the main event.  The Fun Run, in aid of the Special 
Olympics World Games Belfast Host City Programme, will start 30 minutes 
later, at 10am.

Details on how to enter the 22nd Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by 
Belfast City Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, can be obtained 
from the Marathon Office on Belfast (028) 9027 0345.  Online entry also is 
available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/marathon.  Entrants are reminded that 
entries received after April 4 are subject to a surcharge of £10 or €17, 
and no entries will be accepted on the day.



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