BELFAST MARATHON ENTERS THIRD DECADE AIMING TO BE BIGGEST YET
THE Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by Belfast City Council and Connors Maxol Direct, enters its third decade when it takes to the City’s streets this coming May Day Bank Holiday, Monday May 7.
Last year’s Belfast Millennium Marathon was the most successful in the event’s history, with almost 6,000 people taking part in either the main 26.2 mile race or its accompanying Fun Run, Team Relay or Walk.
Organizers are hoping to capitalize on this success to attract even more entries, from both home and abroad, for the 20th Belfast City Marathon. In fact, entries for this year’s event already are showing a significant increase over the same period last year.
"The Belfast City Marathon has become a major attraction to many international competitors, providing them with the opportunity to experience for themselves the friendly atmosphere of Belfast and the world renowned Northern Ireland wit and humour," commented the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Sammy Wilson.
"Last year, we welcomed runners from ten countries, and I know many competitors from south of the border and across the water return to Belfast year after year for the craic and friendly competitiveness of the Belfast City Marathon," added the Lord Mayor.
Eric Cairns, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon, pointed to the resurgence of interest in marathon running in recent years, as shown by the growing number of people entering events in Belfast and other cities around the world.
"There is obviously an increasingly high level of interest in marathon running, and a large number of people wishing to compete in large scale public events such as this. To those people we are sending the message: come and join the Belfast City Marathon - you’ll be more than welcome," commented Mr. Cairns.
The Chairman’s message was echoed by Tony Sheridan, Marketing Manager with the event’s co-sponsors, Connors Maxol Direct, who commented:
"One of the big attractions of the Belfast City Marathon – apart from a course which is regarded as challenging yet fun – is the fact that, unlike many similar events, entry numbers are not limited, and therefore it is an event in which any runner who so desires can participate. This is a factor which is reflected in the continually growing number of entrants in the team relay event, in particular."
To help attract competitors from Ireland, Great Britain and indeed further afield, special accommodation rates have been negotiated with a number of hotels and guest houses in the Belfast area.
Entry forms and full details are available from all Northern Ireland leisure centres, the Belfast City Marathon office on 028 9027 0345, by e-mail from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or from the official internet site, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/marathon .
The official charity for the 20th Belfast City Marathon is the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.