Events
Waterside Half Marathon
From humble beginnings back in 1981, the Waterside Half Marathon will celebrate its 30th staging on Sunday, 11th September 2011 and we are delighted to invite you to join the expected 2000 participants in the Gransha Grounds on the day.
Our event as always caters for all levels of runners, joggers and keep fit enthusiasts. Wheelchair participants are also welcome and walkers will be able to take on the new 10 mile challenge.
There is also a 3-Person Team Relay running format which facilitates participation in bite size chunks for all those not quite ready to try the full 13.1 miles.
The Family Fun Run drops to 2K this year and will be staged on grass, using the Half Marathon finish area for maximum spectator input.
The generous £5500 plus prize fund is retained and this offers a comprehensive range of cash awards for the more competitive participants – under 20 to over 70!
Top class changing/shower facilities are available, courtesy of Oakgrove Integrated College located within the Gransha Grounds.
All finishers get a quality ribboned medal, a commemorative race T-shirt plus the usual excellent post race refreshments at the finish line and at the Awards Presentation in Oakgrove College.
The now standard prize category awards format remains in place – the top 6 male and female finishers will receive the main cash awards, irrespective of their specific age category. However all participants are still asked to indicate their age group category on their entry form. Please note that all full Half Marathon Run entrants must be 17 years or over on race day and participants in the 10 mile Challenge Walk must be 12 years or over on the day.
We are delighted to welcome on board our new official charities for 2011, well known local groups - Foyle Search and Rescue and Children in Crossfire. We look forward to working with them and trust that many of you will respond to their sponsorship appeals.
Athletics NI Championship 2011
We are happy to acknowledge that the Waterside has once again been selected as the Athletics NI Half Marathon Championship, a designation which recognises the enduring quality of our event. We look forward to the up front battles for both the individual and club team titles which will unfold on the Waterside’s 13.1 mile course.
Half Marathon Team Relay
The 3-person team relay is becoming more popular each year and offers participation in three bite size chunks of approximately 4.5 miles each. The precise changeover points and transport arrangements will be detailed in the Race Pack, available in the week before the race. The minimum age for Team Relay members is 15 years on race day.
Wheelchair Race
Wheelchair participants in the Half Marathon are welcome. They will start just before the main Half Marathon field – approximately 2 mins in advance!
Walkers
This year there will be a new 10 Mile Challenge Walk which will start at 10.00 am and use significant sections of the Half Marathon course. The minimum age for participants in the Walk is at least 12 years or more on the day.
No individual prizes will be awarded but all finishers will get a ribboned medal, commemorative T-shirt and refreshments post event.