20/04/2009
Belfast Marathon Races Into New Record
In excess of 33,000 feet will be pounding the streets of Belfast on May Day Bank Holiday Monday in the most successful Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon ever.
More than 16,500 people have signed up for the 28th running of Northern Ireland's biggest participatory sporting event on Monday 4 May.
More than 2,800 runners will be taking part in the main Marathon - that's a third again more than took part in the 2008 race.
Those seeking to complete the full 26.2 miles will be joined by more than 2,000 relay teams, each made up of five people, and almost 2,300 walkers and more than 1,200 fun runners.
"We enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2008, with almost 15,000 people
taking part in the four events: this was more than double the entry level of just six years ago - and now we've absolutely smashed that entry record," said Danny O'Connor, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Organizing Committee.
While the vast majority of the entrants hail from the British Isles, the international appeal of Belfast is shown by entries from 24 different countries, including Kenya, Moldova, the Ukraine, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States, Hungary, Switzerland, Indonesia, Canada, Qatar, the Netherlands and Iceland.
Leading the entry list once again is Kenya's John Mutai, who no doubt will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins on May Day, following his emphatic victories in both 2007 and 2008.
His main challenge will come from Ukraine's Vyachesla Prikhadko, who finished third last year, and fellow Kenyan Zak Kihara. The top local entrant is Alan McCullough.
Heading the female entries is 2006 winner, Joyce Kandia, who laid down her marker for 2009 with an impressive victory in the Titanic Quarter 10K warm-up race earlier this month. Kandia's closest challenge is likely to come from Moldova's Svetlana Shepela.
(BmcC/JM)
More than 16,500 people have signed up for the 28th running of Northern Ireland's biggest participatory sporting event on Monday 4 May.
More than 2,800 runners will be taking part in the main Marathon - that's a third again more than took part in the 2008 race.
Those seeking to complete the full 26.2 miles will be joined by more than 2,000 relay teams, each made up of five people, and almost 2,300 walkers and more than 1,200 fun runners.
"We enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2008, with almost 15,000 people
taking part in the four events: this was more than double the entry level of just six years ago - and now we've absolutely smashed that entry record," said Danny O'Connor, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Organizing Committee.
While the vast majority of the entrants hail from the British Isles, the international appeal of Belfast is shown by entries from 24 different countries, including Kenya, Moldova, the Ukraine, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States, Hungary, Switzerland, Indonesia, Canada, Qatar, the Netherlands and Iceland.
Leading the entry list once again is Kenya's John Mutai, who no doubt will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins on May Day, following his emphatic victories in both 2007 and 2008.
His main challenge will come from Ukraine's Vyachesla Prikhadko, who finished third last year, and fellow Kenyan Zak Kihara. The top local entrant is Alan McCullough.
Heading the female entries is 2006 winner, Joyce Kandia, who laid down her marker for 2009 with an impressive victory in the Titanic Quarter 10K warm-up race earlier this month. Kandia's closest challenge is likely to come from Moldova's Svetlana Shepela.
(BmcC/JM)
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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.
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.
22 June 2021
Belfast City Marathon Rescheduled To October
The 39th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon has been rescheduled for Sunday 03 October, following delays due to COVID-19.
Belfast City Marathon Rescheduled To October
The 39th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon has been rescheduled for Sunday 03 October, following delays due to COVID-19.
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.
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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.