Headline Sponsors Irish Examiner Formally Launch Cork City Marathon 2017
SUNDAY RUNDAY WITH THE 2017 IRISH EXAMINER CORK CITY MARATHON
Cork
09:00am, Sunday June 4th 2017
Photo: Cathal Noonan
Hopkins Communications Press Release
SUNDAY RUNDAY WITH THE 2017 IRISH EXAMINER CORK CITY MARATHON
-Build your June Bank Holiday Weekend around the Cork City Marathon as organisers announce new race day of Sunday 4th June 2017-
Monday 19th December 2016: Swap your Sunday drive for a run, walk or jog as the 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon launched today with a new race date of Sunday 4th June announced. After a decade of participants marking the end of their June Bank Holiday weekend crossing the finish line of the Cork City Marathon, organisers have answered the requests from past and potential participants to move this iconic race to Sunday.
Speaking at the launch of the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon, Race Director Jim O’Donovan commented on this exciting date change, “There is always great anticipation and buzz surrounding the launch of the Cork City Marathon but this year we cannot contain our excitement. We pride ourselves on constantly striving to build and develop the Cork City Marathon, ensuring that it is more than a marathon and instead one of the biggest Irish sporting events, open to everyone of all fitness levels and varying degrees of challenges. In previous years, we have welcomed the introduction of various innovative race categories, such as the Youth Challenge, to enable greater participation and this year is no different.
“Moving the traditional race day from Monday to Sunday allows more flexibility for visitors both nationally and internationally traveling to participate. Sunday also allows all participants an opportunity to celebrate their great accomplishment that evening, and gives athletes a day to rest and recover before heading back to their nine to five on Tuesday.”
With almost 10,000 participants last year and increased numbers expected in the Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon has firmly secured its place on the Irish sporting calendar as one of the must-attend events of the year. Over the years, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon has become more than a marathon, recognised for its inclusivity. It’s for runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters. It is for those looking for a way to get fit, to set a new personal best, a way to raise money for a local charity or a fun day out with family and friends.
The marathon is a platform for outstanding achievements and unforgettable memories. No-one will forget the heart-warming scene as 80 year old couple Kay and Joe O’Regan crossed the line hand in hand last year, or as Damien Coleman, Blackrock GAA set a new Guinness World Record running the marathon while soloing a hurley and sliotar.
“I would encourage individuals of all ages, levels and abilities to get involved in the 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon. It will be a fantastic day in the city, and a great way for participants to take in the iconic Cork sights and sounds as they take to the streets. We’re calling on everyone, from first timers to professional athletes, to lace up your trainers and look forward to seeing you at the start and finish line!”, urged the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Des Cahill.
Now in its 11th year, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is an internationally recognised marathon welcoming participants from home and abroad, with certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This marathon is a qualifying race for other marathons, such as the Boston City Marathon. The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is a City Council promoted event in partnership with Athletics Ireland, Cork Business Houses Athletics Association (BHAA), An Garda Síochána, Cork Education & Training Board, Voluntary First Aid & Medical bodies such as St. Johns Ambulance, Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, Cork Fire Services and Civil Defence as well as local groups and communities.
Start your New Year off on the right foot by setting the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon as one of your 2017 goals, or give the perfect Christmas gift of entry to the running fanatic in your life. Remember, this is more than a marathon so entries are now open for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge. Register now or find out more information on the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon 2017 online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie For helpful training tips or to share your Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon journey follow them on Facebook and Instagram\corkcitymarathon or on Twitter @TheCorkMarathon #MoreThanAMarathon
About the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon
The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was revived in 2007 after a break of 21 years. It reflected a growing interest or a rekindling of interest in road running that had peaked in the mid-1980s but had waned in the intervening years.
One of the innovations in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was the inclusion of a Team Relay challenge, with teams of between 2 and five members combining to cover the 26.2 mile distance. In 2013, a Youth Team Relay was introduced, providing an opportunity for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 to participate in what is one of the most challenging and rewarding sporting and personal achievements.
Photo: Irish Examiner
Comment
Following on from Wednesday's announcement that the 2017 event is to be held on Sunday June 4th 2017, the event was formally launched today.
Feedback on the change has been overwhelmingly positive and, to date, over 30,000 people have been reached othrough the various Cork Athletics media sources. Let's hope that the goodwill translates into increased entries right across the range of events in the Cork City Marathon 'portfolio'. There's only one thing for it! Dig out the trainers and dust off the training plans. There are 'just' 169 days (24 weeks) to go.....Lots of time....New Year....New resolutions.....Lets lace up and Let Fly!!
There's still lots of background work to do. Arrangements have to be made with lots of organisations, from churches of all denominations, Sports organisations, businesses, hospitals, emergency serices, transport, etc....the list is extensive. Many things weren't an issue on Bank Holiday Monday, or maybe not as serious or as complex. On the other hand, the Sunday move will reduce or eliminate other problems. Some old headaches solved ....some new ones will develop.
For a long time now, there has been lots of pressure from the running community to change to a Sunday. This pressure increased when last October's Dublin Marathon changed to a Sunday, after 35 years of Bank Holiday Mondays, with a massive increase in the numbers taking part. Some of the interest in the 2016 Dublin Marathon arose from the 1916 Centenary factor, so it remains to be seen whether the 'Sunday Factor' will follow through again for Dublin, in 2017 - We certainly hope it will. There's a great 'Buzz' around the place after this news.
In the meantime, 'Cork' will come on Sunday June 4th 2017......Cork runs a good show...it's AIMS registered, so is acceptable as a qualifier for all the big city marathons. Cork also has a great team relay event, along with related schools and services team challenges - really relays for schools and services. It addition the Half-Marathon, introduced a couple of years ago, has increased it's numbers significantly.
Roll on Marathon Sunday!
I'll Be There! Will YOU!
