Menu
15/04/2002
May Day marathon shapes up to be the biggest yet
Organisers of the 21st Belfast City Marathon are confident that this year's event will be the biggest and the most competitive in recent history.
With hundreds of entries flooding into the Belfast City Marathon office, it is anticipated that a record number of competitors will take to the streets of Belfast on Monday May 6.
Already, the number of entries received from female athletes has more than doubled compared with that from this time last year. The overall number of entries for the main marathon is almost 100 per cent up on the same period last year.
Boosting the race's profile is the news that the Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI) will hold their annual championships during the marathon.
Danny O’Connor, chairman of the organising committee, said: “This is a truly exciting year for the Belfast City Marathon. The decision by the AAI to hold its championships in Belfast for the first time is a tremendous vote of confidence in the event, and undoubtedly will sharpen the competitive edge of this year’s race.”
Mr O'Connor was also pleased at the award of a silver grade by the British Association of Road Races (BARR), making the event one of the premier road-running events in the UK. Belfast was one of only four races invited to be considered for the award.
Another major development has been a substantial increase in the prize money for female athletes, bringing them into line with their male counterparts. The first female athlete to complete the 26.2 miles will receive £2,000, and the prizes for the other leading female finishers have also increased.
Among the top international athletes who already have signed up is Wilson Cheriuyot, winner of the Belfast Millennium Marathon in May 2000 and runner-up in last year’s event. However, he will face stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Morris Muriithi Mwangi, as well as the one of strongest fields of local athletes to have taken part in the event in recent years.
Top of the local list are Northern Ireland’s top long-distance runners, Alan McCullough, who will be looking to improve on last year’s fourth place finish, and David Brady, who followed his fellow North Belfast Harrier home in fifth place in 2001.
The 21st Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by Belfast City Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, takes place on May 6 2002. The official charity for the 21st Belfast City Marathon is ChildLine Northern Ireland.
(GMcG)
With hundreds of entries flooding into the Belfast City Marathon office, it is anticipated that a record number of competitors will take to the streets of Belfast on Monday May 6.
Already, the number of entries received from female athletes has more than doubled compared with that from this time last year. The overall number of entries for the main marathon is almost 100 per cent up on the same period last year.
Boosting the race's profile is the news that the Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI) will hold their annual championships during the marathon.
Danny O’Connor, chairman of the organising committee, said: “This is a truly exciting year for the Belfast City Marathon. The decision by the AAI to hold its championships in Belfast for the first time is a tremendous vote of confidence in the event, and undoubtedly will sharpen the competitive edge of this year’s race.”
Mr O'Connor was also pleased at the award of a silver grade by the British Association of Road Races (BARR), making the event one of the premier road-running events in the UK. Belfast was one of only four races invited to be considered for the award.
Another major development has been a substantial increase in the prize money for female athletes, bringing them into line with their male counterparts. The first female athlete to complete the 26.2 miles will receive £2,000, and the prizes for the other leading female finishers have also increased.
Among the top international athletes who already have signed up is Wilson Cheriuyot, winner of the Belfast Millennium Marathon in May 2000 and runner-up in last year’s event. However, he will face stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Morris Muriithi Mwangi, as well as the one of strongest fields of local athletes to have taken part in the event in recent years.
Top of the local list are Northern Ireland’s top long-distance runners, Alan McCullough, who will be looking to improve on last year’s fourth place finish, and David Brady, who followed his fellow North Belfast Harrier home in fifth place in 2001.
The 21st Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by Belfast City Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, takes place on May 6 2002. The official charity for the 21st Belfast City Marathon is ChildLine Northern Ireland.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
20 April 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.
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.
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.
27 April 2004
Dunwoody finds 'no hurdle' in entering Belfast marathon
One of Northern Ireland’s true sporting heroes will be taking on the challenge of its biggest athletics event next week. Former champion jockey, Richard Dunwoody, has confirmed his entry into this year's Belfast City Marathon.
Dunwoody finds 'no hurdle' in entering Belfast marathon
One of Northern Ireland’s true sporting heroes will be taking on the challenge of its biggest athletics event next week. Former champion jockey, Richard Dunwoody, has confirmed his entry into this year's Belfast City Marathon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
