Lord Mayor Calls on City to Embrace Marathon

“Lord Mayor’s Medal” Launched


The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Gerry Breen, has called on the businesses and citizens of Dublin to embrace the economic opportunity offered by the Dublin Marathon and put their full support behind the event.

“Over 40 nationalities took part in the Dublin Marathon last year, and the Marathon brought in excess of €10 million to the city” he said “I believe that if we fully embrace the opportunities the Marathon offers, we can increase its value to our city”

The Lord Mayor was speaking at the launch of the “Lord Mayor’s Medal” - a specially commissioned medal that will be presented each year to an individual(s) who overcome incredible odds to take part in Dublin.

“Marathons are used by capital cities across the world to showcase their city and drive tourism revenue. “said Breen, I think that now, more than ever, there is a real need for us to use this event to showcase the best of our city, and our country to the world.”

Last year a record 13,500 people took part, and Race Director Jim Aughney is looking to continue to grow that number. “Last year New York had 120,000 entries for 50,000 places, and the race brings over $250 million into the city. We believe that Dublin can continue to grow, and as it does, the economic value of the race to the city will only increase”

“The IAAF has added Dublin to the List of Qualifying Marathon Races for the London 2012.” added Aughney “This will no doubt impact on the elite field and will raise the standard of marathon runners coming to Dublin, especially as the two new course records achieved in 2010 demonstrated that fast times can be run in Dublin”

“This is a huge boost for Dublin and will add an extra competitive edge this year. We have been working with the Marathon Mission team over the last year to improve long distance running in Ireland. Again, Dublin will now be the objective for our top long distance runners”

While adidas, who had supported the Dublin Marathon for over 13 years are no longer involved, Asics have replaced them as Official Apparel sponsor and Aughney is confident of announcing a replacement title sponsor in the coming months.

“We have had very positive conversations with a number of interested parties, and are confident that we will have a new partner on board in the coming months who will help us achieve our vision for Dublin going forward”

2011 will be the 32nd running of the Dublin Marathon, and will take place on Monday 31st October. For further information or to register www.dublinmarathon.ie or www.facebook.com/dublinmarathon