17/02/2016

Belfast Chosen To Host IAU World Championships

Belfast has been chosen to host the 12th International Association of Ultrarunners 24 Hour World Championships in 2017.

The ultra running championships, which are held every two years, will be staged in Victoria Park in east Belfast on Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July, 2017.

The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), which administers the long-distance running wing of the sport for the IAAF, made the announcement at its Executive Council meeting in Monaco, following what it described as "a good competition."

IAU President Dirk Strumane said: "It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that Belfast has been allocated the organisation of the 2017 24 Hour World Championships.

"Belfast presented us with a convincing, well-structured and strongly supported bid and we are looking forward to a fruitful and constructive co-operation." 

Belfast Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, welcomed the announcement as further evidence of the city's ability to attract and stage world-class sporting events.

"Congratulations to the organising committee on bringing another major event here. This will be a further opportunity to showcase our city, let the competitors, spectators and visitors experience all that Belfast has to offer and demonstrate what good hosts we are," he said. 

(MH/JP)

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