Half Marathon returns home

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion pictured at the launch of the Waterside Half Marathon 2015 along with Councils Festival and Events Manager, Karan Leonard and Gerry Lynch, Spartans Athletics Club.

Derry City and Strabane District Council officially launched the event marking the welcome return of the Half Marathon to St Columb’s Park on Sunday September 6th, where it first began 34 years ago.

The new scenic riverside route - taking in both the city’s Foyle Bridge and Peace Bridge - is expected to attract even more local athletes to the event, and early registration is advised.

Places are capped at 2,000 to include individual runners, wheelchair athletes and 3 person relay teams. Entries will officially open on June 1st and close on August 21st.

Festivals and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karan Leonard, said the move would be extremely well received among local clubs. “I think there is a great sense of anticipation about this year’s event, which brings the half marathon back to its roots.”

For those hoping for a gentler challenge, there will be a 2k Family Fun Run taking place at St Columb’s Park, opening up the event to runners of all ages and abilities while later in the afternoon the Alzheimer’s Society are hosting their annual Foyle Memory Walk from Ebrington at 2pm in an effort to raise awareness of dementia. The Foyle Memory Walk will leave Ebrington Square at 2pm on the same day, with two challenges to suit all abilities, 2km and 10km.

For more information and to registration go to www.whm15.com.