Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Meet the new Belfaster.. & flatter.. marathon route
Event shifts to a Sunday and will start off at Stormont A bunch of fives for race’s charity partners
THE Deep Riverrock Belfast City Marathon has broken new ground by naming not one but five charity partners for 2019.
All are based in or around the city and entrants can choose from any of them to fundraise for.
The five partner charities are Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART), Cancer Focus NI, Stroke Association, Air Ambulance NI and Action Mental Health.
Representatives of all five organisations spoke at yesterday’s official launch at Stormont. THE Belfast City Marathon was officially launched yesterday – with a new route and a new day.
Next year’s race will be staged on a Sunday for the first time and take in areas never before covered by the event.
The move has been hailed as an “exciting development” with a spike in entrants expected due to the flatter, faster course. Yesterday’s launch of the largest single participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland took place at Stormont where the May 5 event starts.
Finaghy, Andersonstown, the Falls Road as well as parts of East Belfast are among the additions to the 26.2-mile route.
Organising committee chairman David Seaton said: “Few of us involved in the inaugural event in 1982 could have imagined the Belfast City Marathon would still be in existence 37 years later.
“These are two major changes which we hope will result in greater participation numbers and add to the enjoyment of the athletes and spectators.
PRESTIGIOUS
“This prestigious international event would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors and supporters, and I wish to highlight our long standing association with Belfast City Council and Deep River Rock.
“I also want to make mention of the excellent working relationship we enjoy with the PSNI.
“I have a feeling of excitement as we explore this new sporting ground and look forward to helping deliver a memorable day’s competition.”
The 2019 events include races to suit all levels of fitness including the marathon and wheelchair race, the team relay, eight-mile walk and fun run, all with improved routes.
All will start at Stormont except for the Fun Run which will begin and end at Ormeau Park.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Emmet Mcdonough-brown said: “The marathon is entering a new era but I have every confidence the changes will boost its ongoing success.
“Our marathon is regarded as one of the world’s friendliest and I know there will be plenty of people out supporting the runners.”
The Daily Mirror is once again among the sponsors of the marathon and you can follow all the build-up in this paper.
Entries are open at www. belfastcitymarathon. com and via the new Myticket App.
An early rate will apply until October 31.