Tell Us Your Story supported by BT

It’s Good To Talk, Walk Or Run At The Waterside Half Marathon

The Waterside Half Marathon Organising Team, in partnership with BT, are keen to find out more about the runners, walkers, relay teams and all those participating in the 30th anniversary celebrations at this year's event.  
       
So if you have a story to tell, for example why you've chosen this year to take part for the first time, or if you're taking part to raise money for a charity close to your heart, or indeed whether it's to achieve a personal goal, BT wants to hear from you. 
        
Recently announced as a race partner BT's Consumer Director for Northern Ireland,  Peter Morris said, "BT is delighted to support the 30th anniversary celebration of this great sporting initiative.  We’ve a long and rich legacy in the Northwest, including our local offices, customers and communications infrastructure, and as the principal partner of Derry ~ Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.”
 
“Everyone has different reasons for entering the Half Marathon, and we really want to get people sharing their stories and their inspirations. We’d encourage people to get online and write their marathon memoirs – they can encourage others to get active and support good causes,” he added.

Tell us why you are competing and be in with a chance to win a donation to a charity of your choice. Describe your reasons in approximately 50 words and send your story to us on halfmarathon@derrycity.gov.uk along with a profile or fundraising picture. 

The Waterside Half Marathon takes place on the 11th September with entry forms and race information currently available on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon.

Stories

City’s ‘Running Man’, Danny Sheerin

The City’s ‘Running Man’, Danny Sheerin who has taken part in all 30 Waterside Half Marathon’s pictured with the Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney and Peter Morris Consumer Director with BT.   If you, like Danny, have an interesting story to tell as to why you’re taking part in this year’s 30th celebration of the Waterside Half Marathon, BT wants to hear from you.   

Gerry Anderson, BBC Radio News Presenter

“Running gets the Gravy Going” Gerry Anderson all set for Waterside Half Marathon.  Superstar DJ Gerry Anderson can be found pounding the roads in the Culmore Point area of Derry, sporting sweatbands and a six pack in preparation for his Waterside Half Marathon and New York marathon debut later this summer.

Running seems to have become a new passion for the Derry celebrity, who says he ran in school but never long distance.

“I used to run in school but I never ran long distance or anything like that. I did a leg of the Belfast Marathon back in May but that was only to cover for Nolan who couldn’t do it.”

But things are different now. Mr Anderson is in training and runs every day. 
To read more of Gerry’s story click here.

 

Jordan Murray, Balloch, Scotland

“Im entering the half marathon in Derry because i came to derry for the first time in march for St.Paddys day and fell in love with the city. The history is sad, exciting and fabulous. i have been over now 5 times since march. Mixing with both sides of the divide and can honestly say that the people of the city of Derry are kind, friendly and the best fun to be around. I’ve been all over Northern Ireland but Derry has a place in my heart now. I have attended St Paddys day and saw some of the marches so when i heard of the half marathon i wanted to be part of that also. I will never stop recommending the city of Derry to friends. hope everyone has a good day and best of luck,”

Pauline Pendlebury O.B.E. Walker

“I became involved with Children in Crossfire in quite a roundabout way. Although I originally come from Coleraine, I was living and working in Leeds. Initially my involvement was simply by selling raffle tickets to my friends and colleagues in Leeds and Bradford. Since arriving back to live just outside Coleraine I have extended my support of ‘Children in Crossfire’ by trying to raise awareness of the charity and have organised events, in my local area, to highlight this. I have recently persuaded some friends to join me in the 10 mile walk in Derry on the 11th September.

I have tremendous admiration and respect for all those involved with the charity and the work they do. I am quite passionate about extending and improving the opportunities for children, particularly those caught in conflict, and hopefully can continue to raise a awareness and much needed funds to ensure the great work they are doing prospers. “

Dr Joe Mc Evoy, Derry

Joe is a GP in Bayview Medical and has been involved with Children in Crossfire for 5 years, trekking in Cuba, cycling Vietnam and last Easter got the chance to witness first hand the remarkable work of the Charity in Tanzania. “I was delighted to see the Children in Crossfire sponsor sheet in my registration pack for Waterside Half Marathon. This is a charity that is making a real difference to lives of children; having witnessed first hand the impact of their development programme in Tanzania is inspiration enough to run the 13 miles on Sunday 11st September.”

JR Mc Laughlin, Head of Fundraising for Children in Crossfire, Derry

“Running for me has been closely linked to our work in Africa; and the positive impact Children in Crossfire are making. The injustice and hardships that children and their families have to face each and every day in many developing world countries is often eclipsed by their vitality and good humour. We have a lot to learn for each other. I am not great at running, a bit slow, but I have been able to complete a few marathons and look forward immensely to my fourth Waterside Half Marathon. 

I have been working for Children in Crossfire for ten years; and have witnessed many of our supporters buy new trainers, start a training programme and complete races which have been great personal achievements for them. It’s just brilliant for Children in Crossfire to be connected with our City’s Half Marathon, an event we should all be proud of.”

Emma Doherty

"This year I will be walking the 10 mile Challenge in support of the Lifestart Foundation. Lifestart is a charity providing  home based child development education to parents of young children. The money I raise will be used to buy some much need toys, books and art supplies for Lifestart outreach projects in Derry, Belfast and Newtownards.

So far my training and fundraising is going well so I hope to raise lots for the charity and perhaps shift some of my baby weight in the process
 
For more information on Lifestart please visit www.lifestartfoundation.org."

 

Owen Crilly and Patrick McAliskey

52 Half Marathons - 52 Weeks.

Its funny how running makes you feel like you can take on the world and win!

1n 1998 Owen lost his Dad to cancer and wanted to do something for cancer related charities but never got around to it. In 2009 a friend of both Patrick and Owen’s called Rosi was diagnosed with bowel cancer.  Owen and Patrick ran the 2010 Dublin Marathon and raised over £8,000 for Bowel Cancer UK. Sadly Rosi passed away earlier this year but through her fundraising she managed to raise over £30,000 for Bowel Cancer UK in NI.

In February 2011 Owen’s sister in law Marion was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was the trigger for the 52 half marathon challenge. 11 weeks into the challenge they have completed 15 half marathons and will be completing number 16 at Waterside.

“We are trying to raise awareness of cancer related issues, raise £15,000 for Action Cancer and Bowel Cancer UK and encourage people to run with us, have a laugh and get fit.” said Owen and Patrick. Apart from over 30 individual runners they have also signed up a running club and a primary school to run with them and raise sponsorship.

For more information go to www.52-half-marathons.co.uk

Tom Hill, Digital Care Manager, BT

“I am running to raise monies for Mark McGovern family, Mark was seriously injured playing football in San Francisco and is recovering slowly from a Coma and learning to walk again he will be hospitalise for quite some time. My funds will assist his family greatly and all support is much appreciated. I am recovering from injury and this marathon is a big challenge for me but the cause is worthy of my efforts Please support .”
 

Sponsor Participants

If you would like to sponsor any of the participants above please email halfmarathon@derrycity.gov.uk expressing your interest.