Press Release for launch of Cork City Marathon...

Switch On to the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon!

~ 10,000 runners expected to take over Cork on June 1st ~

Friday, 13th March Bord Gáis Energy officially announces sponsorship of the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon. Cork’s leading sports stars Graham Canty, Gillian O’Sullivan and Aoife Murray got on their marks yesterday to launch the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon, which is expected to attract a record 10,000 entries this year.

The Irish Cancer Society has been nominated as the charity of choice for the event.

Speaking at the launch, John Mullins, Chief Executive of Bord Gáis said: “The Cork City Marathon is a unique event for the city each year which energises and motivates people to get out there and make a difference as a healthy lifestyle choice and in supporting the numerous charities that are involved. The option of entering a relay team is a great incentive for people at all levels of fitness and experience to get involved and we’re delighted to be associated with an event of this calibre. This is all about encouraging both existing and budding enthusiasts to get out, get fit and enjoy the day. Entering the race is as easy as making the Big Switch to Bord Gàis Energy.”

The Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon will take place on June 1st this year. The ‘Marathon for Everyone’, encourages individuals of all levels to get involved – from first timers to professional athletes, with the option of running the marathon as an individual or as part of a relay team.

Speaking at the official launch of the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon, Cork City Council’s Lord Mayor Cllr. Brian Bermingham said: “This is a fantastic partnership which will help to promote the marathon nationally and regionally. Last year’s marathon had over 7,000 entries and was a brilliant showcase for the city of Cork. With Bord Gàis Energy on board we can be sure that the event will grow along with the ambitions we have for it,”

“Teams of up to five people can run the marathon so anyone with a little bit of training can take part,” added the Lord Mayor. “Last year we had over 1,000 relay teams running for all sorts of reasons – for a myriad of charities, as part of a social club or just as good friends getting together to complete the event. It makes for a superb atmosphere on the day with teams cheering their last leg runner home to the finish.”

Concluding, Jim McCormack, Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society noted: “The Irish Cancer Society is delighted to have been chosen by the Bord Gáis Cork City Marathon as their nominated charity for 2009. Running or walking is a great way to keep fit and being physically active helps avoid weight gain, obesity and reduces your risk of cancer. Therefore, we encourage as many people as possible to put on their running shoes and get involved in what is sure to be a challenging, empowering and worthwhile event. All proceeds raised will go towards our patient care services which advise and support people as they go through their cancer journey.”

The Bord Gàis Energy Cork City Marathon will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 1st June 2009 and is supported by Cork City Council who are committed to growing the event to become one of the major events in the Irish sporting calendar.

Entry forms are available at: http://www.corkcitymarathon.ie/

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Please note that the cheapest entries for the Cork City Marathon & Relay are before the 31st of March. It costs €60 to do the full Marathon and €90 for a relay team at the moment. From the 1st of April, the prices increase by €10.