D’Arcy and Dempsey Make Marathon Call
Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon name
Barretstown and Special Olympics as official charities for 2010
Dublin, 12th May: Leinster and Ireland Rugby Star Gordon D’arcy joined Today FM D.J. Ian Dempsey to launch the 2010 Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon, calling on runners, walkers and joggers across Ireland to sign up on behalf of the two official Dublin Marathon charities, Barretstown and Special Olympics Ireland.
Over 8,000 Irish people took part in the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon last year, raising in excess of €10 million for Irish charities. Race Director Jim Aughney expects the number of Irish people running this year to increase again.
“We had just under 13,000 enter Dublin last year, it was both our biggest ever field, and the highest Irish entry to date” said Aughney “Given the huge growth in the popularity of running and road races, we would expect to see even more people from home take part this year” said Aughney
Barretstown is a specially-designed camp for children with serious illnesses - primarily cancer and serious blood diseases.
“Barretstown are delighted to be selected as one of the designated charities for the Dublin Marathon” said Ruth Craig Fundraising Manager. “Funds raised through this fantastic event will help us provide a unique Therapeutic Recreation programme, which helps children affected by serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem”
“I’m delighted to be supporting Barretstown and the Dublin Marathon. It’s a great reason to get fit while also raising vital funds for a terrific cause’. So get serious about fun and fitness and support Barretstown by doing the Dublin Marathon this year” said D’arcy, who is an ambassador for Barretstown.
CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English, has already answered Ian Dempsey’s call and has committed to running Dublin this year, and is hoping to have a large team join him from around the country.
“Special Olympics Ireland is delighted to be associated with this year’s Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon. This is such a prestigious and popular event and I wish everyone involved all the very best with their preparations”
Mark Stafford, CEO of Lifestyle Sports, joint sponsor of the 2010 Dublin Marathon with adidas, said “We are delighted to be involved with the Race Series and Dublin Marathon again for 2010, and to support these two great charities. We have already had lots of enquiries on the best kit to wear for both walking or running any of the races in the Series and the Dublin Marathon. We recommend adidas Supernova trainers and their ClimaCool range, which actively conducts heat and sweat away from the body.”
The 31st running of the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th October. For more information or to enter check out www.dublinmarathon.ie
To join the Barretstown Marathon Team contact fundraising@Barretstown.org
or 045 864115
To join the Special Olympics Marathon Team contact fundraising@specialolympics.ie
or 01-882-3972
For tips on trainers or running apparel, visit the Lifestyle Sports team in store or check out their facebook page.
For further information:
Jennifer Gleeson, Marathon Press Office @ WHPR
6690030 or 0868690348
jennifer.gleeson@ogilvy.com
Editor Notes:
• The adidas Supernova and Response trainers have been created for runners and are lightweight and non-restrictive, providing support and grip for high traction. Adidas’s FORMOTION technology increase stability and lessens the risk of injury by reducing knee rotational loading. The Supernova and Response trainers are available in both male and female styles and range in price from €75 to €90
• adidas ClimaCool apparel actively conducts heat and seat away from the body through combination of heat and moisture-dissipating materials, ventilation channels and three-dimensional fabrics that allow air to circulate close to the skin.