Tesco Waterside Half Marathon

Press Release

Monday, 15 September 2008

Record attendance at Tesco Waterside Half Marathon

Over 1000 club athletes, runners, joggers, walkers and fun runners braved the high temperatures of this Saturday sun to compete in the largest ever Tesco Waterside half Marathon organised by Derry City Council in association with City of Derry Spartans.

Defending champion Joe McAllister of St Malachys club in Belfast was the first to cross the line in just 70 minutes 14 seconds to make it three "Waterside's" in a row. Shortly followed by top wheelchair athletes Jim Corbett and Paul Hannan who shared the top prize in the wheelchair event. The top female athlete was none other than the recently crowned Woman's National Champion Maria McCambridge who came in impressive time.

Speaking at the start of this years race the Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver commented on the enthusiasm of everyone taking part. "This is a great sporting occasion for the city and a fantastic day out for all the family. I admire the commitment and achievement of each and everyone of these atheles of all abilities. Its great to see this event in its 27th year reach over 1000 participates and we in Derry City Council look forward to many more successful Half Marathons to come."

Speaking after the prize giving event at Oakgrove college Tesco representative Caroline Murphy commented "Tesco's are delighted to be named as title sponsor for this years event. Our two local stores are fully supportive of today's activities and are committed to this event for a number of years to come. We are encouraged by the large number of people taking part in all the various category races and particularly delighted to see so many supporting the two nominated local charities. Tesco's would like to thank the race organisers and also our own local supplier network who helped deliver such a successful event.

The President of the Northern Ireland Athletics Association Brian Downing was among the large crowds who came to support the athletes. Speaking at the prise giving ceremony Mr Downing said that the association was delighted to be represented here today. “I am particularly delighted to see the participant numbers well up this year. Lets hope that somewhere amongst the many children participating in today's Fun run there is a future Olympian coming through. I would like to congratulate the race organisers Gerry Lych and Jeff Ashe of Derry City Council and also acknowledge the support given to them by the local clubs."

Full race results and photogallery will be available on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon from Wednesday 17th September. The Foyle Hospice and Aware Defeat Depression the Nominated charities would also like to thank everyone for their support.

Ends

This years charities include: