FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Putting Best Foot forward for 'Olympic' Marathon Effort
Entries are already coming in for the 31st Deep RiverRock Belfast City
Marathon, which gets under starters' orders next May Day Bank Holiday
Monday, 7 May 2012.
"This year was a record-breaking one for us in every way – but we're not
resting on our laurels," said Danny O'Connor, Chairman of the Deep
RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Organising Committee.
"We're determined to build upon the huge success of our 30th birthday event
to make 2012 even bigger and better. After all, it is the year of the
London Olympics – so what better way to get into the Olympic spirit by
taking part in the Belfast Marathon: as the Olympics motto goes, it's all
about the taking part," enthused Danny.
In the past six years, we have more than doubled the number of people
taking part in the event, and in 2011 entry levels in some of our events
once again were up by between 20 and 33 per cent, resulting in a totally
fantastic, record-breaking 20,000 people took part in the 2010 Marathon and
all its associated events."
Launching the 2012 event this morning (Tuesday 13 September), the Mayor of
Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, spoke of his high regard for
everyone who has taken part in the marathon over the years.
"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 marathon running, we are benefiting from
record entry numbers each and every year," continued the 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," concluded Councillor Ó
Donnghaile.
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
I'm delighted to announce that, in 2012, we will be supporting the
magnificent work of the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, as our
officially nominated charity," announced Danny.
John Coffey, Sports 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 supporting the Belfast City
Marathon as title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. This Marathon is
a well established event and we continue to work closely with the
organisers to build on the success of previous years.
"It is fantastic that the race attracts world class athletes to Belfast
along with inspiring so many local people to be active, whilst raising much
needed funds for extremely worthwhile charities."
Dominic Walsh, Chair of Sport Northern Ireland, is confident that the 2012
event will be even bigger and better than ever.
"Every year, the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon grows in strength and
stature and Sport Northern Ireland is once again delighted to be able to
support it. The event has secured its place in the hearts and minds of the
community as one of the biggest in the sporting calendar that can be
enjoyed by all – no matter what ability.
"It continues to be a great day out for all involved; competitors and
spectators alike. And I would also like to pay tribute to the unsung
heroes of the event, the volunteers. It is a definitely a step forward in
creating a healthier and more active society. I look forward to another
superb event, and would encourage as many people as possible to take to the
streets of Belfast, helping us to break last year's participation records."
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is also sponsored by Belfast City
Council, the Donnelly Group, Sport Northern Ireland, Tayto, Translink and
Up and Running. Media partners are the Daily Mirror and U105. Official
accommodation partner is Premier Inn.
The 2012 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 2012 is the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
Entries for the 2012 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon have been open
since May. For further information, including online entry, training tips
and much more, log on to www.belfastcitymarathon.com
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