Belfast City Council

10/04/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2022 04:09

Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon organising committee, John Allen, Cool FM Breakfast Presenter Paulo Ross and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Christina[...]

Date: 04 Oct 2022

Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black attended the official launch of the 2023 Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon.

The 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon were officially launched at Better's Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre on Tuesday 4 October.

The Belfast City Marathon moves into its 41st year in 2023, with continued support from title sponsor Mash Direct.

The marathon is renowned for the incredible local support runners receive as they test themselves over 26.2 miles.

The popularity of the event has grown exponentially in recent years and it has now become one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland.

There is an event to suit all levels of fitness on Sunday 30 April including a marathon run, wheelchair race, team relay and walk.

The Belfast City Half Marathon celebrates its 10th staging in 2023 - on Sunday 17 September, 2023 participants are expected to set off on their 13.1 mile journey from Ormeau embankment following a popular route in a bid to complete the largest half marathon event in Northern Ireland.

Add to this an exciting new partnership with local charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, who work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Kerry Anderson, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Head of Fundraising, said: "Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is delighted to be the designated charity partner for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon for the next three years. The air ambulance service is there 365 days of the year for those who need it following a serious trauma or medical emergency, and our charity needs your support. We are encouraging everyone to run, wheel or walk for your air ambulance to help save more lives, brains and limbs."

John Allen, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, commented: "We are delighted to see the momentum behind the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon building with support from our participants, spectators, volunteers, sponsors and partners. We are thrilled to partner with local charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in a bid to support their life-saving services, providing outstanding critical care where and when it's needed most.

Jack Hamilton, Mash Direct CEO said: "We were delighted to sponsor the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon in 2022, it was our first time sponsoring the marathon and it was a huge success, there was such a fantastic atmosphere at both events and it was amazing to see runners return to the city. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon.

"This is an event that brings the best out in people and encourages people to live an active lifestyle and increase their vegetable consumption. We jumped at the chance to team up with Belfast City Marathon again this year."

For more information and to register for the 2023 events, visit belfastcitymarathon.com

The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon is sponsored by Mash Direct, Athletics Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Daily Mirror, Better, Belfast Live, Cool FM, Downtown Radio, Downtown Country, Translink, Deep RiverRock, Compare NI and Tayto. The official charity partner is Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.