Less than 800 entries remain for the Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday 17th September, meaning the event is on course for yet another sell out.
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the iconic 13.1 race through the heart of Belfast. 2013 saw the inaugural staging of the event, that has since grown to become Northern Ireland’s largest half marathon, welcoming over 5,000 people.
The race starts and finishes at Ormeau Park, the oldest municipal park in Belfast and still one of the largest parks in Belfast. The route is an incredible tour of the capital City, soaking in cultural landmarks like the towering Harland and Wolff Cranes, the vibrant Custom House Square, and the majestic City Hall.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time, the flat, fast and strikingly scenic route is perfect. Belfast is renowned for the incredible support from volunteers and spectators, so runners can expect a boost from the quirky motivational signs they will see, and the words of encouragement they will receive.
John Allen, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, commented:
“We are delighted with the overwhelming response to the half marathon. Thank you to each and every one who has signed up already - whether you’re a seasoned club runner, taking on your first ever half marathon, or fundraising for a worthy cause.
We would like to wish everyone the very best of luck with their training ahead of the Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon. We look forward to seeing the streets of Belfast come alive on Sunday 17 th September for what is sure to be a special 10 year celebration.”
Jack Hamilton, Mash Direct CEO, added,
"We are thrilled to be title sponsors of the Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon once again, particularly as it commemorates its 10th year. Over the past decade, the race has truly evolved into a standout event on the running calendar in Northern Ireland.
At Mash Direct, we're passionate about supporting events that bring together our community, promoting health and well-being, and we're delighted to see the continued enthusiasm for the event as entries near sell out!
We look forward to seeing everyone and a very successful race day on September 17th 2023."
The much-loved race raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity each year. Organisers are encouraging runners to turn their miles into something life-saving, and run for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
James Rodgers (@pilot.ni), Air Ambulance NI Ambassador said;
‘I’m delighted to be helping Air Ambulance NI promote the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon. In 2022, I had the privilege of running the Mash Direct Belfast City full marathon as part of #TeamAirAmbulanceNI and it was an amazing experience.
Please tick the box to fundraise for Air Ambulance NI, to help the medical team save lives, limbs and brains right here in Northern Ireland.’
Remaining entries are available at www.belfastcitymarathon.com but don’t wait, sign up today or risk missing out on what is set to be another sell out race.
For more information and regular updates, visit belfastcitymarathon.com and stay in touch Facebook / @MarathonBelfast Twitter / @marathonbcm Instagram / @belfastcitymarathon
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon is sponsored by Mash Direct, Athletics Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Daily Mirror, Better, Belfast Live, Cool FM, Downtown Radio, Downtown Country, Translink, Deep RiverRock, CompareNI.com, Linwoods, Charles Hurst and Tayto. The official charity partner is Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
