Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THE LONG RUN
40th anniversary of marathon gets ready to hit the streets of city
THE Belfast City Marathon will celebrate its 40th birthday when runners toe the start line on May 1.
Sponsored by Guinness and run over two laps, the first race started at the Maysfield Leisure Centre and saw 3,021 take part.
Greg Hannon was the winner in a time of 2:20:25 while Sue Boreham was the first women across the line in a time of 3:11:26.
As the novelty of marathon running started to fade in the late ’80s, the event organisers took the opportunity to introduce new races, including the Team Relay in 1989 and the 8 Mile Walk and
Fun Run events in 1997 and the Belfast City Marathon became the biggest participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland.
Then 2019 became a momentous year, when the marathon experienced a major course revamp, taking in more of the city of
Belfast – North, East, South and West and its historic sites. The event also moved to a Sunday for the first time.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Tom Haire said: “Belfast City Council is delighted to support the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and we’d like to wish the organisers and participants every success for the event’s 40th anniversary year.
“As the instigators of the original marathon back in 1982, we’re incredibly proud of how the event has grown and developed over the years, becoming the largest mass sport participatory event in Northern Ireland, energising the city and attracting tens of thousands of participants, including international competitors, over the years.
“Belfast City Council continues to be a proud supporter and funder of the Belfast City Marathon and we look forward to seeing what this milestone marathon has in store – from the support on the streets to the achievements of both individual athletes and teams and, of course, the phenomenal funds raised for local charities.”
The sustainability of the event is completely reliant on community support and local volunteers. Schools, universities, businesses and churches all get involved to deliver a successful day.
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 1, from the Stormont Estate with more than 16,000 participants expected to take part across the Marathon Run and Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk.
Why not help make history by signing up or volunteering for the 40th anniversary of the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon?
For further details please visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com.