Putting Best Foot Forward for Marathon Effort

The 2015 Full Marathon event will be held on May Day Bank Holiday, 4th May 2015 and was launched this morning (Tuesday 23rd September) by Danny O’Connor, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.

 

“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 at the start of the month (September 2014), 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 2015 event at the Mary Peters Track, the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nichola Mallon, said:

 

“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.

 

“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,” continued the Lord 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 Mallon

 

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 2015, we will be supporting the magnificent work of Marie Curie Cancer Care, as our officially nominated charity,” announced Danny.  

 

Judith Gillespie, in her role as Marie Curie Champion for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2015 partnership, said:  “The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous and well supported events, so for Marie Curie to be chosen as the official charity for the 2015 event is something we’re all very excited about.  The theme for the 2015 event is ‘Make this Your Moment’ and we’d encourage all those interested in getting involved to do just that…to think about their moment that motivates them to lace up their running shoes and to support Marie Curie.”

 

The official charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care marks a significant moment in 2015 whereby it celebrates its 50th anniversary of the Belfast Hospice - 50 years of providing specialist and dedicated palliative care to those with a terminal illness.  

 

Judith highlighted that “All money donated to Marie Curie by runners, relay teams, walkers and fun runners will not only stay in Northern Ireland but will go directly to Marie Curie services, meaning that Nurses can continue to provide vital care to those in most need both in the Hospice and in local communities right across Northern Ireland. I am greatly looking forward to taking part in The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2015!”

 

Danny continued, that due to the success of participants receiving their race packs in the post in 2014, the organisers have decided to continue with this process, enabling 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.” Danny O’Connor commented

 

Mr Rob Crabbe, Sponsorship Manager with title sponsors Deep RiverRock water, 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 ninth 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 Health, Tayto and Translink.  Media partners are the Daily Mirror and U105.

 

The 2015 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 2015 is Marie Curie Cancer Care,

 

Entries for the 2015 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon are now open at  www.belfastcitymarathon.com.