Press Release

2010 Tesco Waterside Half Marathon launched

Monday, May 24, 2010

It’s time to get your trainers out and start getting geared up for the annual Waterside Half Marathon, which will take place on Sunday, September 12 in the Gransha Grounds.

The Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming pictured with Harry Smith, Manager Tesco Lisnagelvin, and Gerry Lynch, race organizer at the launch of the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon.

The 2010 Waterside Half Marathon, now in its 29th year, is going from strength to strength and major corporate sponsor, Tesco, once again is backing the event.

The Mayor, Cllr Paul Fleming pictured at the launch of the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon along with Colin Hampsey, Tesco Northern Ireland, Damien Power, Hurt, Jack Glenn Parkinson Foyle Branch and Harry Smith, Manager with Tesco at Lisnagelvin.

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.

The designated Mayor’s charities this year are HURT (Have YOUR Tomorrows) and Parkinson’s UK, Foyle Branch, and with a such a huge turnout expected to line up on the day, there should be plenty of funds raised for both organizations.

Mayor of Derry, Cllr Paul Fleming, said: “The Waterside Half Marathon is a wonderful event for runners and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities.

“Not only is this a great event that promotes health and fitness, it also raises money for good causes, and I am delighted that my two chosen charities HURT and Parkinson’s UK, Foyle Branch, will be benefitting.”

For those at the sharp end of the u- front action, the enduring quality of the Waterside Half Marathon has been recognized yet again by Athletics NI who have awarded Northern Ireland Championship status to the event.

Race organizer, Gerry Lynch, said he’s looking forward to the 2010 event more than ever. He added: “The Waterside Half Marathon is always an exciting and energizing event for the whole community. Gransha Park plays host to a vibrant mass of people on Half Marathon day, there is a brilliant buzz around both the Half Marathon and the Family Fun Run with participants and spectators alike, hugely enthused by the sights, sounds and excitement of the day.

“I would encourage everyone to enter, if they haven’t already done so. Whether they want to walk the route, jog it or run it, literally anyone can take part and all are welcome.

This year for the first time Half Marathon online entry is available and we will also introduce electronic chip timing for each participant. The race moves to a Sunday this year and we are expecting more participants than ever for this first Sunday race date.

The generous £5500plus prize fund which covers categories from Under 20s to Over 70’s is in place again. There are also ribboned medals, commemorative printed T-shirts and a variety of refreshments for all finishers.

Colin Hampsey, Corporate Affairs Manager, Tesco NI, said: “We are proud to support the Waterside Half Marathon for the third year, this type of sponsorship enables us to demonstrate our commitment to helping get the public active and healthy. We have already some strong links within the city and this sponsorship further underpins our wider corporate social responsibility of giving back to the communities in which we trade.”

The 2010 course is the same as last year, starting in the Gransha Grounds (completing two circuits) moving via the Dual Carriageway past the City of Derry Rugby Club onto Temple Road heading for Strahfoyle and into the Invista/Du Pont grounds returning back via Maydown Industrial Estate, Clooney Road to the Gransha Grounds.

Jack Glenn, Chairperson of Parkinson UK, Foyle Branch, said: “The Foyle Branch, Parkinson’s UK, are deeply indebted to the Mayor and Derry City Council for nominating us as a beneficiary of the fundraising efforts from the Half Marathon participants. In this period of recession it is very gratifying to see the generosity of the public. All monies raised will go towards helping local Parkinson sufferers and their carers.”

Dessie Kyle, Manager of HURT, said: “HURT (Have Your Tomorrows) is delighted to be part of the team for this year’s Waterside Half Marathon. HURT events co-ordinator, Damien Power, would like to thanks Derry City Council and the Mayor, Paul Fleming, for selecting HURT as one of the main beneficiaries for this event. We would also like to acknowledge the participants for their time and effort and contribution to this event. We really appreciate the support from the wider public and look forward to a very successful day.”

To apply on line for this year’s half marathon or to download the 15 week training schedule, log on to www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon.

Ends

Press Office

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