Here is the press statement......
Competitor Group, Inc. has reached a partnership with Athletics Ireland to launch the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon, which is expected to attract 10,000 participants and is currently scheduled for Monday, August 6, 2012.
“Ireland and its capital city of Dublin are a perfect fit to host a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series event,” said Peter Englehart, CEO of CGI. “Dublin is a bustling city with a great love of sports, outdoor entertainment and world-class cultural offerings. We are extremely happy and pleased to bring an event of this caliber to the city and we know there will be a lot of excitement around this race every year.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon is now part of an international series of musically themed marathons and half-marathons, uniquely combining entertainment with a scenic 13.1-mile road course. The event features live bands performing at every mile along the route, cheerleaders encouraging runners, themed water stations and a finish line concert headlined by a major act.
Race weekend in Dublin will begin with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants go to pick up their race number. The expo will feature several running and fitness retailers, exhibits with free nutritional samples and a series of interactive clinics.
“This event provides a perfect stage to grow local participation in athletics and it also comes at a time when we are increasing our focus on sports tourism,” said John Foley, CEO of Athletics Ireland. “Competitor Group is a worldwide leader in the endurance sports sector and it has an international presence that will help bring runners to Dublin from around the world. We want people to come to Dublin for our beauty and our culture and leave with an unforgettable running experience.”
Is this a good or bad development? In terms of publicity and attracting overseas runners and tourists to the country, it may have great potential. Or will it be just mainly locals? In terms of the existing race calendar, it seems as if the market just got a whole lot more crowded.
Good or bad? Are you interested in doing it? Leave your opinion by clicking on the Comment link below...
Half Marathon Registration Fees
€ 33 – Promotional price when online registration opens
€ 40 – December 1 – February 28
€ 45 – March 1 – April 30
€ 50 – May 1 – July 31
€ 60 – Expo Registration (if available)
6 comments:
Hi John,
As the organiser of the Midlands Half Marathon I'd have to be honest and say that this isn't good news for me. It's pencilled in for the August Bank Holiday in the Athletics Ireland calendar, which clashes with the date for our race. I know we are only a small race, but it would have been nice to get some notice about it. It looks like if we are to continue, which is now uncertain, then we will have to find another date, and as mentioned in your article, the calendar is becoming more and more crowded.
That said however, as a runner it could potentially be a really great event. I'd say I'll give it a shot, it'll be interesting to see the route/location that they choose. And as they have said that this is a 'partnership' with Athletics Ireland, perhaps we will see a good bit of money going back into clubs and facilities, which is also a good thing.
Brian Holohan
The Midlands Half Marathon
Think its a great idea. Great for Ireland and business however 10,000people for a half marathon in Dublin City seems a bit much. I know people will say look at the marathon but its a bit more spread out.
I will definately consider it. I like the idea of it. and I hope Brian can sort something out for his race. Its the only pity about it....
For a half marathon with the potential of 10,000 participants,will surly have to stagger the start time for each time section ,to help over crowding at the start.
I think the elite runners might give this a miss tho! more for the fun runner to enjoy the occasion.
Living in the US now I have looked at some of these and concluded that I will not pay the fees they charge, which largely seems to be spent on gimmicks like live bands along the course. The fee for Dublin is much more competitive than that which they for events in the US.
I just heard that this event is cancelled - any body hear that?
I am so sad to hear this event is cancelled! I was really looking forward to it and had so many people considering the "half" with me!! Oh well. I will be there next year!
Maryellen FitzGerald
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