19 December 2016
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Pictured at the launch of the 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 4th June 2017 are Ellen Twomey, 4th year, Glanmire Community College, Garda Sarah Sullivan, Gerard McLean, East Cork Rapid Response, Lieutenant Deirdre Owens, Irish Naval Service, Cork City firefighter Jonathan Finn, Race Director Jim O’Donoghue, firefighters Barry O’Hanlon, Damien Coleman, Blackpool GAA, Corporal Conor Coleman, and Aria Shahi, 5th year, Glanmire Community College. Picture: Cathal Noonan
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 Instagramcorkcitymarathon or on Twitter @TheCorkMarathon #MoreThanAMarathon achievements.
