23/01/2004

Lord Mayor to run in Belfast City Marathon

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Martin Morgan, has announced that he will be entering the 23rd Belfast City Marathon.

Mr Morgan will be running in the 26-mile May Day challenge, in aid of this year’s official charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The Lord Mayor, who is a keen sportsman and has previously participated in the Marathon Relay, said: “I can think of no more positive way of supporting the Marathon and its official charity than by actually taking part this year.”

Speaking about the selection of Macmillan Cancer Relief Northern Ireland as the official charity for the 2004 Belfast City Marathon, General Manager, Heather Monteverde said: “Macmillan is absolutely delighted to have won the race to be the official charity for the 2004 Belfast City Marathon. The Marathon is the biggest event in the Northern Ireland sporting calendar and is one of the biggest fundraising events held here each year.”

All the money raised on May Day will help to fund vital information and counseling centres, specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors, buildings for cancer treatment and care, as well as grants for patients in financial difficulties.

Macmillan’s fundraising efforts are also being supported by some of Northern Ireland’s leading sports stars, including Ulster rugby captain, Andy Ward and teammate Adam Larkin and Tyrone GAA manager, Mickey Harte and player Ryan McMenamin. Speaking on behalf of the stars attending this morning’s event, Andy Ward said: “We are all delighted to lend our support to Macmillan Cancer Relief as the official charity for the 2004 Belfast City Marathon and we would encourage as many people as possible to participate and raise money for this very worthy cause.

The 23rd Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by Belfast City Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, takes place on May 3, 2004.

The main Marathon, which will once again incorporate the Irish Marathon Championships, will start from the front of the City Hall at 9:30am. The Marathon walk and Team Relay will start at the same time, with the four-mile Fun Run following at 10am.

Further information and entry details are available from www.belfastcitymarathon.com.

(KMcA)

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