Walled City Marathon launched in Guildhall

Following the success of last year’s Walled City Marathon, SSE Airtricity, has announced that it will be coming back on board as the lead sponsor for the 2014 Walled City Marathon and Race Series.
Organisers of the SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon 2014 pictured with the Mayor Councillor Martin Reilly at the launch of the event in Guildhall Square included from left are Charlie Large, Noel McMonagle, Gareth King, Eglinton Road Runners, Donal Gormley, SSE Airtricity, Gerry Lynch and Scott Galbraith.Organisers of the SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon 2014 pictured with the Mayor Councillor Martin Reilly at the launch of the event in Guildhall Square included from left are Charlie Large, Noel McMonagle, Gareth King, Eglinton Road Runners, Donal Gormley, SSE Airtricity, Gerry Lynch and Scott Galbraith.
Organisers of the SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon 2014 pictured with the Mayor Councillor Martin Reilly at the launch of the event in Guildhall Square included from left are Charlie Large, Noel McMonagle, Gareth King, Eglinton Road Runners, Donal Gormley, SSE Airtricity, Gerry Lynch and Scott Galbraith.

Some of the participants, who will face the gruelling 26.2 mile challenge, joined Mayor Martin Reilly, SSE Airtricity’s Donal Gormley and Course Director Scott Galbraith for the recent announcement at the Guildhall.

Unveiling SSE Renewables as official race sponsor Scott Galbraith, Course Director, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back SSE Airtricity as the power behind this year’s marathon.

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“Last year was a real success, with more than 1800 runners, Tommy Hughes historic victory, not to mention the £250,000 that was raised for charity.

“More than 10,000 spectators turned out to watch last year’s marathon, and this year, we’re aiming for an even better turnout.

“We’ve had a fantastic response already from runners wanting to participate and I think it’s fair to say there’s a real buzz developing around this year’s race.”

Local runner, and director of Eglinton Road Runners Club Gareth King, added: “There is no doubt that Walled City Marathon captured the cities imagination and showcased that distance running can be accessible to many, not simply for the ‘elite’.

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“It was this message that enabled Eglinton Road Runners to form and expand rapidly within a short period of time, feeding off the running boom that had engulfed the North West from Walled City marathon fever.

Fast forward to February 2014 and Eglinton Road Runners have over 140 runners at the club, with approximately 50 signed up to participate in this year’s Walled City Marathon.”

Donal Gormley, SSE Airtricity said: “Following the success of last year’s race, we’re delighted at SSE Airtricity to once again be involved with Walled City Marathon.

“Last year was a real spectacle, everyone from runners and stewards to entertainers and volunteers, created a carnival atmosphere and I’m looking forward to taking on the course this year myself.”

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More than 1900 runners have already registered to battle it out to become the SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon champion for 2014, which will take place on Sunday, June 1.

Runners won’t have to wait too long however, as on Sunday, the Londonderry 10km will begin at Ebrington Square.

Full details can be found on www.thewalledcitymarathon.com including the race route and other events and activities on race day.

Meanwhile City of Derry Rugby Club hosted a tag blitz recently, which saw 203 kids from six local Primary Schools from the North West taking part.

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In the Foyle area, Community Rugby Coach, David Funston, has been delivering tag rugby to schools for six week periods. Teams are 8 aside with 2 girls required to be on the pitch at any one time.

The action saw pupils and teachers from Lisnagelvin Primary School, Ebrington Primary School, Cumber Claudy Primary School, Oakgrove Primary School, Hollybush Primary School and St Columba’s Primary School brave the elements.

The event focused on enjoyment rather than a competitive structure and the participants flourished in that environment, with many onlookers commenting on the talent on display and the great tries being scored.

The handling, running and decision making skills displayed by all the children was outstanding. Teams must also be complimented on their sportsmanship.

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Funston was keen to thanks City of Derry RFC for hosting the event and the schools for sending participants.

This event was made possible due to the generous support of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure through the ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport’ programme.