Menu
14/05/2010
Marathon To Run On Bank Holiday
In spite of pressure from various sides, the 2011 Belfast City Marathon will not be held on a Sunday.
It was agreed at a City Council meeting this week that it would continue on May Day, after over plans to move the race from its traditional May Day Bank Holiday to the prior Sunday were opposed.
All of the five political parties represented on Belfast City Council's Development Committee agreed that the issue would be postponed for a year, therefore guaranteeing it would be held on the usual Monday in 2011.
Former PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde started the debate two years ago when he questioned the cost-effectiveness of staging the event on the May Day Bank Holiday when his police officers were entitled to double their usual hourly rate.
The Sunday idea has also been backed by Translink, the Department for Regional Development and Belfast City Centre Management.
The event's key organising partner, Athletics Northern Ireland, would also be in favour of the switch to a Sunday.
However, Christians and churchgoers hit out as they say a Sunday event will disrupt weekly services in the estimated 40 churches along the 26-mile route, as well as effectively barring from taking part committed Sabbatarians.
Development Committee Chairman, DUP Councillor William Humphrey said on BBC Radio Ulster that the marathon organisers must consult widely with all affected groups before a decision could be taken on the issue.
He said the committee had tasked an officer to consult with the marathon committee to express its views.
"The concept of the idea of running the marathon on a Sunday must be postponed to allow the committee to have a consultation process and consult with everyone including the churches," he said.
"But I can say that next year, the marathon will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday again."
He later confirmed that Belfast City Council has now formally requested that the Belfast Marathon Company ensures that the "most robust consultation exercise possible" will be undertaken in relation to proposals to move running of the annual Belfast City Marathon to a Sunday.
"The Belfast City Marathon and its partners must ensure that the full impact of any change on all relevant communities is fully assessed, and that any decision takes full cognizance of all equality issues. We must work to ensure that the Belfast City Marathon remains an inclusive event.
"It is important that this council be seen to treat all the communities in our city equally - and not least to ensure that the Marathon, one of the most successful events of its kind, is fully inclusive for all those who wish to take part in it," concluded Councillor Humphrey on Thursday.
(BMcC/GK)
It was agreed at a City Council meeting this week that it would continue on May Day, after over plans to move the race from its traditional May Day Bank Holiday to the prior Sunday were opposed.
All of the five political parties represented on Belfast City Council's Development Committee agreed that the issue would be postponed for a year, therefore guaranteeing it would be held on the usual Monday in 2011.
Former PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde started the debate two years ago when he questioned the cost-effectiveness of staging the event on the May Day Bank Holiday when his police officers were entitled to double their usual hourly rate.
The Sunday idea has also been backed by Translink, the Department for Regional Development and Belfast City Centre Management.
The event's key organising partner, Athletics Northern Ireland, would also be in favour of the switch to a Sunday.
However, Christians and churchgoers hit out as they say a Sunday event will disrupt weekly services in the estimated 40 churches along the 26-mile route, as well as effectively barring from taking part committed Sabbatarians.
Development Committee Chairman, DUP Councillor William Humphrey said on BBC Radio Ulster that the marathon organisers must consult widely with all affected groups before a decision could be taken on the issue.
He said the committee had tasked an officer to consult with the marathon committee to express its views.
"The concept of the idea of running the marathon on a Sunday must be postponed to allow the committee to have a consultation process and consult with everyone including the churches," he said.
"But I can say that next year, the marathon will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday again."
He later confirmed that Belfast City Council has now formally requested that the Belfast Marathon Company ensures that the "most robust consultation exercise possible" will be undertaken in relation to proposals to move running of the annual Belfast City Marathon to a Sunday.
"The Belfast City Marathon and its partners must ensure that the full impact of any change on all relevant communities is fully assessed, and that any decision takes full cognizance of all equality issues. We must work to ensure that the Belfast City Marathon remains an inclusive event.
"It is important that this council be seen to treat all the communities in our city equally - and not least to ensure that the Marathon, one of the most successful events of its kind, is fully inclusive for all those who wish to take part in it," concluded Councillor Humphrey on Thursday.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2022
41st Belfast City Marathon Announced
The 2023 Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, sponsored by Mash Direct, has been officially launched by Lord Mayor Tina Black at Better's Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre. 2023 will mark the 41st year of Belfast City Marathon, which has become one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland.
41st Belfast City Marathon Announced
The 2023 Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, sponsored by Mash Direct, has been officially launched by Lord Mayor Tina Black at Better's Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre. 2023 will mark the 41st year of Belfast City Marathon, which has become one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland.
16 March 2020
Belfast City Marathon Postponed
Organisers of the Belfast City Marathon have took the decision to postpone the race and following half marathon fixture in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The marathon, originally due to take place on Sunday 03 May, will now be held on Sunday 20 September 2020.
Belfast City Marathon Postponed
Organisers of the Belfast City Marathon have took the decision to postpone the race and following half marathon fixture in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The marathon, originally due to take place on Sunday 03 May, will now be held on Sunday 20 September 2020.
20 March 2003
Marathon organisers expect record turnout
Organisers for the Belfast City Marathon are expecting a bumper turnout for this year's event, after receiving up to 40% more entries than on the same time last year.
Marathon organisers expect record turnout
Organisers for the Belfast City Marathon are expecting a bumper turnout for this year's event, after receiving up to 40% more entries than on the same time last year.
18 January 2007
Belfast puts on its running shoes for Marathon effort
This year's Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is to take place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday, on May 7.
Belfast puts on its running shoes for Marathon effort
This year's Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is to take place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday, on May 7.
23 January 2004
Lord Mayor to run in Belfast City Marathon
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Martin Morgan, has announced that he will be entering the 23rd Belfast City Marathon. Mr Morgan will be running in the 26-mile May Day challenge, in aid of this year’s official charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Lord Mayor to run in Belfast City Marathon
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Martin Morgan, has announced that he will be entering the 23rd Belfast City Marathon. Mr Morgan will be running in the 26-mile May Day challenge, in aid of this year’s official charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
