MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Maolíosa McHugh, has officially launched one of the biggest events on the local athletics calendar – the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon – at the Tinnies in Strabane and is encouraging local runners of all levels to get involved on Sunday 13th May 2018.The half marathon organised by Council in association with Lifford Strabane Athletics Club is back for a fifth successive year and is set to attract a 1,500 strong field.
The cross border event which has a new route this year, has proven hugely popular with seasoned and novice runners alike – with runners from all over Ireland and beyond joining a sizeable local entry.
Speaking after joining the sponsors of this year’s Strabane Lifford Half Marathon –O’Neills and SGN Natural Gas – at today’s official launch, Mayor McHugh said: “I am delighted to launch this year’s Strabane Lifford Half Marathon.
“2017 was a bumper year for the half marathon which saw runners and spectators turn out in their thousands.
“Indeed, the popularity of this event has been growing since it was first held in 2014 – with entrants continuing to travel from all over the island and beyond to enjoy this fantastic running experience.
“We are anticipating this year to be a sell out so I’d urge anyone who is thinking of entering to get registered as soon as possible.
“Whether you are aiming to beat your personal best, place in one of the categories or simply get to the finish line, this year’s race promises to be an experience to remember!
“I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Lifford Strabane Athletics Club – as without their expertise this event wouldn’t be possible – and also say a huge ‘thank you’ to the sponsors of this year’s race – O’Neill’s and SGN Natural Gas.
“The growth in popularity and profile of the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon really is fantastic for the local area – not least in terms of providing a boost to local businesses and the charities who will benefit from the fund raising.”
Jamie Cunningham, Key Account Manager at SGN Natural Gas said the company were delighted to be associated for a second year with the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon.
He said: “Our sponsorship of the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon re-affirms our ongoing commitment to positive community engagement in Strabane, the first town connected to the SGN Natural Gas Network.
“We really enjoyed being associated with this hugely popular local sporting event last year and we will be putting our best foot forward again this year by entering a team of runners as part of our role as sponsors.
“We are confident it will be another very successful event for everyone involved and we look forward to cheering all of the runners over the finish line!’’
Managing Director of O’Neill’s Irish International Sports Company Limited, Kieran Kennedy added: “We are very proud to be able to play our part in this year’s half marathon which is increasingly building a reputation as an efficiently run and friendly event to attend and take part in.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone taking part in this year’s race the very best of luck with their preparations!”
All Half Marathon entrants must be 18 or over on the day of the race which starts at 9:30am on Sunday 13th May from Meeting House Street in Strabane and will finish at the Melvin Sports Complex.
Race Packs can be picked up at the Melvin Sports Complex on Friday 11th May 5pm-9pm & Saturday 12th May 9.30am-12.30pm.
Registrations for this year’s half marathon will be limited to 1,500 runners so book early to avoid disappointment – Entries are now open at www.derrystrabane.com/halfmarathon and closing on Sunday 30th April 2018.
The entry fee for the 13.1mile race is £23 and all finishers will receive a specially commissioned O’Neill’s T-shirt and medal. For further information email [email protected] or Derry City and Strabane District Council on 028 71 253253.
Tags: