The Northern Ireland air ambulance has been announced as the Belfast Marathon’s official charity partner.
News that Air Ambulance Northern Ireland will team up with the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon was announced on Tuesday at the launch of the 2023 full and half marathon events.
The Belfast City Marathon moves into its 41st year in 2023, with continued support from title sponsor Mash Direct. There is an event to suit all levels of fitness on Sunday April 30 including a Marathon Run, Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and Walk.
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The Belfast City Half Marathon celebrates its 10th race in 2023 - On Sunday September 17 participants are expected to set off on their 13.1 mile journey from Ormeau Embankment following a popular route in a bid to complete the largest Half Marathon event in Northern Ireland.
For the first time in the event’s history, organisers are delighted to offer new special bundle package pricing for those runners who wish to enter both the marathon and half marathon. This package is available for the duration of the early bird rate. 2023 will see the return of the Expo and Pack Collection at the TEC Belfast.
Add to this an exciting new partnership with local charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, who work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
Every day in Northern Ireland, two people need the services of the HEMS team. It could be a road traffic collision, farm accident, sports incident or sudden cardiac arrest to name a few. Whatever the critical situation, the air ambulance doctor and paramedic are airborne in minutes. At scene they provide medical care that is usually only available when the patient reaches hospital and it can be the difference between life and death.
The funds you raise could contribute to a number of costs including a flight suit for the medical team, fuel for the aircraft, maintenance at the airbase or aviation training. All fundraising means the service can reach the next patient in need.
Kerry Anderson, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Head of Fundraising, said: "Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is delighted to be the designated charity partner for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon for the next three years. The air ambulance service is there 365 days of the year for those who need it following a serious trauma or medical emergency, and our charity needs your support. We are encouraging everyone to run, wheel or walk for your air ambulance to help save more lives, brains and limbs."
John Allen, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, added: “We are delighted to see the momentum behind the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon building with support from our participants, spectators, volunteers, sponsors and partners. We are thrilled to partner with local charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in a bid to support their life-saving services, providing outstanding critical care where and when it’s needed most.”
Jack Hamilton, Mash Direct CEO says, “We were delighted to sponsor the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon in 2022, it was our first time sponsoring the marathon and it was a huge success, there was such a fantastic atmosphere at both events and it was amazing to see runners return to the City. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon.
“This is an event that brings the best out in people and encourages people to live an active lifestyle and increase their vegetable consumption. We jumped at the chance to team up with Belfast City Marathon again this year, it is our ambition to encourage consumers get your five portions of vegetables a day and promote health and wellbeing. We have lots of award-winning field-to- fork farm fresh vegetables and over 20 potato dishes, perfect sources of fuel when you start your training plan.
“Our farm is just a short jog away from the marathon route, we are looking forward to supporting an incredible team of organisers, participants and volunteers who have made the Marathon what it is today.”
For more information and to register for the 2023 events, 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, Compare NI and Tayto. The official charity partner is Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
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