Marathon planned for Limerick

AFTER a 25-year absence Limerick city is to host a marathon in 2010.
On May 2 next the Great Limerick Run is expected to bring over 7,000 athletes to the streets of Limerick.
The Great Limerick Run will be the first ever time that a 10k, half marathon and full marathon have been held in the same location in one day and promises to be the most exciting event on the Irish running calendar next year.
Leading Limerick athlete Rosemary Ryan, former Limerick hurler Ollie Moran and comedian Karl Spain joined forces this Monday morning to launch the exciting initiative which will be part of the May Bank Holiday Riverfest festivities.
“Athletics has always been a huge participation sport in Limerick and its surrounding areas and I’m ecstatic that we will now have a world calibre event on our doorstep.
“By focusing not just on a marathon, but also a half marathon and a 10k, the event really is all inclusive and caters not just for full-time athletes, but also those looking to get fit, have fun and raise some money for charity,” said Rosemary Ryan.
Martin Tynan is to be the event organiser: “Limerick’s sporting tradition is second to none and as a group we have been working behind the scenes for the last 18 months in an attempt to fill the last big void in Limerick’s sporting calendar.
“The Great Limerick Run not only sees a marathon return to our native city for the first time in over 25 years, but also provides the runners of all calibres and experience a means of taking part with a half marathon and 10k option,” said Tynan.
Officials have formulated a route that will offer a challenge to the elite athletes, but which will also help showcase the historical and modern parts of the city to participants and spectators alike and another key element of the event is the opportunity for local charities to benefit.
The Great Limerick Run is being supported by Shannon Development, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Limerick Sports Partnership, Limerick Regeneration Agency, the Limerick Coordination Office and the Sporting Limerick promotional brand.
Full details are available on www.greatlimerickrun.com.

JEROME O’CONNELL