Record entry for Belfast marathon
A record entry of close on 10,000 people pounded the streets of Belfast today during the city’s annual marathon.
Many thousands more enjoyed the bright sunshine as they lined the 26 mile-course around the city streets while the athletes and the not-so-athletic made their way around the course at very differing speeds.
The race, being held for the 21st year, attracted a record 1,210 entry from serious athletes seeking to cover the whole course and take a tilt at the £2,000 (€3,200) prizes for the winning man and woman.
More than 6,000 others joined in the team marathon relay race, and thousands more the marathon walk and the fun run organised to raise money for Childline Northern Ireland.
The event attracted an international field with the Kenyans favourites again having provided the winner in the men’s race for the last three years.
The Athletic Association of Ireland held its annual championships during the marathon for the first time. In future years it will alternate between the Belfast and Dublin marathons.
Danny O’Connor, chairman of the organising committee, said it was a truly exciting year for the Belfast City Marathon.
‘‘The decision of the AAI to hold its championships in Belfast for the first time is a tremendous vote of confidence in the event, undoubtedly it sharpened the competitive edge of this year’s race.’’
And he said the granting of a silver grade for the race by the British Association of Road Racers under a new grading scheme was further recognition of the event.
Mr O’Connor added: ‘‘Belfast was one of only four races invited to apply for grading under the new scheme being implemented for the first time this year.
‘‘The grading is designed to help athletes select for competition the best and most professionally-organised road races in the country.
‘‘This silver grading places Belfast hot on the heels of international events such as the London Marathon and the Great North Run.’’
