Massive online interest in Waterside Half Marathon

With almost 200 online entries for this year's Half Marathon already, participants are clearly taking full advantage of the convenience provided by this facility.

Race organiser, Gerry Lynch, said: "The Waterside Half Marathon is always an incredibly popular event and this year it is looking set to be bigger and better than ever.

"More and more people have been taking advantage of the online entries this year, opening the whole thing up to a much larger audience, and attracting more participants than ever before.

"This year's preparations are well underway, and have been for some time, and we are expecting yet another fantastic day."

The 2010 Waterside Half Marathon is now in its 29th year and is going from strength to strength, and once again major corporate sponsor, Tesco, is involved. The event is being held on a Sunday this year, for the first time ever.

The event as always, caters for runners, joggers, wheelchair participants and walkers of all abilities and there is also a three-person team relay format. Last year saw a record 900+ finishers and over 300 in the Family Fun Run. This year there is expected to be 1500+ for the Half Marathon and 500 in the Fun Run.

Mayor, Cllr Colum Eastwood, added: "These days everyone has access to a computer and therefore it's a great way to reach people. This year's Waterside Half Marathon has really taken advantage of such developments by offering entries online, and it has proven a very successful way to attract participants to this popular event."

For information on the half marathon, to download the training schedule and to obtain a registration form, log on to www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon.