Following the success of last year’s Walled City Marathon, which was one of the highlights of the 2013 City of Culture festivities, SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s leading green energy provider, has announced that it will be coming back on board as the lead sponsor for the 2014 Walled City Marathon and Race Series.
Some of the participants, who will face the gruelling 26.2 mile challenge, joined Mayor of Derry~Londonderry, Martin Reilly, SSE Airtricity’s Donal Gormley and Course Director Scott Galbraith for today’s announcement at the city’s famous Guildhall.
Unveiling SSE Renewables as official race sponsor Scott Galbraith, Course Director, said:
“We are delighted to be welcoming back SSE Airtricity as the power behind this year’s marathon. Last year was a real success, with more than 1800 runners, Tommy Hughes historic victory, not to mention the £250,000 that was raised for charity. More than 10,000 spectators turned out to watch last year’s marathon, and this year, we’re aiming for an even better turnout. We’ve had a fantastic response already from runners wanting to participate and I think it’s fair to say there’s a real buzz developing around this year’s race.”
Local runner, and director of Eglinton Road Runners Club Gareth King, added:
“There is no doubt that Walled City Marathon captured the cities imagination and showcased that distance running can be accessible to many, not simply for the “elite”. It was this message that enabled Eglinton Road Runners to form and expand rapidly within a short period of time, feeding off the running boom that had engulfed the North West from Walled City marathon fever. Fast forward to February 2014 and Eglinton Road Runners have over 140 runners at the club, with approximately 50 signed up to participate in this year’s Walled City Marathon.”
Donal Gormley, SSE Airtricity said:
Following the success of last year’s race, we’re delighted at SSE Airtricity to once again be involved with Walled City Marathon. Last year was a real spectacle, everyone from runners and stewards to entertainers and volunteers, created a carnival atmosphere and I’m looking forward to taking on the course this year myself.”
More than 1900 runners have already registered to battle it out to become the SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon champion for 2014, which will take place on Sunday 1st June. Runners won’t have to wait too long however, as on Sunday 9th March, the Derry~Londonderry 10km will begin at Ebrington Square.
Full details can be found on www.thewalledcitymarathon.com including the race route and other events and activities on race day.