The 2016 Donegal Marathon takes place this Sunday, August 21, with a large turnout expected.
The race gets underway at 9.20am and will be officially launched by the winner of the Joule Donegal International Rally, Manus Kelly. Online registration closes on Friday, August 19, and final registration and collection of race packs, T-shirts and goodie bags takes place on Saturday 20th at the Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny from 2pm to 6pm. Participants are advised that no registrations will be accepted on the morning of the race.
Photo caption: The 2016 Donegal Marathon will welcome runners from all over the world to Letterkenny this Sunday, 21st August. Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, TD Joe McHugh is pictured showing his support for the event. Minister McHugh will travel to San Francisco next month in his first official visit to the United States since assuming his new ministerial role. The minister will use the visit as an opportunity to invite the diaspora home for the 2017 Donegal Marathon. Pictured with Minister McHugh are Donegal Marathon committee members (l-r), Danny McDaid, Eunan Kelly and Ciaran Martin. Registrations for this year’s race close on Friday, 19th August and runners, walkers and relay teams can still enter via www.donegalmarathon.ie. Ph
The Donegal Marathon route takes runners and walkers around the town of Letterkenny and the New Mills area. Road disruptions will be kept to a minimum but organisers are advising that there may be traffic delays and diversions will be put in place from 9am on Sunday. Although no road closures will be in place, there will be restricted access to the Oldtown bridge area during the race with motorists on the Rashedoge/Newmills to Oldtown area also asked to use the Conwal R250 road where possible for participant’s safety. The Donegal Marathon route can be accessed online via www.donegalmarathon.ie.
Thanking people across the county for their continued support, Dessie Larkin, Chairperson of the Donegal Marathon, said: “The Donegal Marathon is the ‘People’s Marathon’ and we’d like to thank and acknowledge the support of the public, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible. Running has become so popular and there’s still time for anyone sitting on the fence to get on board. The Dublin Marathon has already sold out this year, but we’ll be accepting registrations until this Saturday.
“I’d also like to remind people that the Team Challenge Cup is a great way to experience a Marathon for anyone who doesn’t feel confident running the half or full race. We’ve been working with the Gardaí and race marshals to ensure the safety of everyone participating in the event including spectators and we’re looking forward to a great day. Hopefully the weather will be in our favour.
“I also want to thank the many physiotherapists from across Donegal who will be stationed at the Aura Leisure Centre giving runners complimentary pre and post treatments.”
In partnership with Letterkenny Community Development Project (CDP), the Donegal Marathon will host a family fun event at the Aura Leisure Centre on Sunday, 21. Taking place from 11am to 1pm, the fun day will include children’s face-painting, characters, games and much more.
Meanwhile, anyone who would like to get involved with the event and assist with any volunteer roles is asked to contact the Donegal Volunteer Centre on 074 91 26740. For more information on the Donegal Marathon and to register visit the Donegal Marathon website or Facebook page.
By bringing communities together through a community tourism initiative for the diaspora this event is supported in partnership with Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland and IPB Insurance.
Winner of the Joule Donegal International Rally, Manus Kelly, will officially launch the Donegal Marathon this weekend. Donegal’s fastest man on four wheels will be at the starting line on Sunday 21st August to see the runners off. Pictured outside Uptown Café is Manus with Danny McDaid, another Glenswilly sporting great and member of the Donegal Marathon committee. Registrations for this year’s race close on Friday, 19th August and runners, walkers and relay teams can still enter via www.donegalmarathon.ie.
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