Press Release

Time to get online and get in training
Waterside Half Marathon launches online training schedule

Thursday 15th May

The Waterside Half Marathon launched its online training programme today, for this year’s sporting event, which will take place on September 13th 2008.

Mayor Drew Thompson and Gerry Lynch, event organiser, at the launch of "The Online Training Programme" for the Waterside Half Marathon. Included, from left, are Alison Smyth and Helen McDonell, Aware Defeat Depression, Sean Laverty, Kate Meehan, Martin McGinley, Noel McMonagle, Foyle Hospice, and Maureen Allen, Derry City Council.

In order to encourage runners and athletes to get ready for one of the city’s calendar sporting events, local club coach at City of Derry Spartans, Noel McMonagle, has put a 15-week training plan, together. The training plan includes practical advice and helpful tips, as well as a detailed running schedule aimed at building up each athlete’s stamina in order that they can participate in the Waterside Half Marathon, happily and healthily this September.

From left, Helen McDonell, Aware Defeat Depression, Gerry Lynch, event organiser, Mayor Drew Thompson and Noel McMonagle, Foyle Hospice.

The plan is pitched at novice runners who already have a running time of twenty minutes upwards and is available to download from the council website. Simply log on to www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon .

Speaking at the launch Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said that he was fully supportive of the initiative and hoped that the plan would encourage even more people to participate in the event. He continued

“This is a wonderful community event with people from across the city taking part for a variety of reasons such as fun, health or fundraising. Last year’s new route proved to be a great success and very popular and I would encourage all our citizens who enjoy running to go online and take advantage of this fantastic training schedule which will help ensure they have an enjoyable race from start to finish.”

This year’s half marathon will use the same course as adopted last year with the race starting and finishing in the grounds of Gransha. The race headquarters will be housed within Oakgrove College, providing participants with the opportunity to avail of showering facilities in the college.

The official charities for the September half marathon are the Foyle Hospice and Aware Defeat Depression. Speaking about the event Gerry Lynch, Waterside Half Marathon organiser said that he was anticipating another great turnout. He continued,

“This schedule is a great way to encourage and guide someone who may be thinking about running the race but has no experience. With this beautiful weather now is the perfect time to get out and about and get training. The programme is specifically for people who like to run a bit, but need some guidance in order to progress their stamina and experience. We are delighted to have the wonderful facilities on hand at Oakgrove College this year and with last year's route confirmed again nothing remains to say except get online and get in training.”

Ends

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