More than 70 youth teams have already signed up for a marathon challenge in an initiative by the Cork City Marathon for 2013. In conjunction with the Cork Sports Partnership and the City of Cork VEC, a Youth Team Challenge is being introduced allowing youths to run, jog or even walk the course as part of a five-person team. Schools and centres across the city and county have been invited to participate and so far more than 350 young people have registered for the event which takes place Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd.
The Youth Team Challenge is aimed at providing young people over the age of 16 with the opportunity to participate in an activity which is both challenging and rewarding. Teams of five students from Second Level schools and Youthreach Centres will participate by running, jogging or walking the 26.2-mile marathon course, each team member participating in one relay leg. It’s not a race, but a chance for young people to develop their physical fitness and participate in Munster’s largest mass participation sporting event.
Olympian Rob Heffernan and his wife Marian, Cork City Marathon Sports Ambassadors, were at Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig today (23rd January, 2013) speaking to students, nominated Challenge Leaders, School Principals and Centre Directors.
“This is an ideal opportunity for young people to get fit and have fun. Whether running or walking, the sense of achievement that comes with completing the marathon as part of a team will be a huge confidence boost for any young person. This is a nice introduction to the event for future generations of Cork City Marathon runners.” Rob said.
Lord Mayor, Cllr John Buttimer also spoke at the launch. “Introducing young people to the marathon is an important step, not just for their health and fitness levels, but it’s sure to add to the atmosphere of fun and excitement on race day”, he said.
Teams can be all male, all female or mixed, depending on the school. Students participating have to be over 16 years of age on race day and be registered second level students in the school or centre they are representing. Each team will be led by an adult Team Leader, generally a teacher. The Challenge fits into the requirements for the Gaisce Presidents Awards, and provides a nice opportunity for students to raise awareness or fundraise for a cause or charity that’s important to them.
CEO of the Cork City and County VEC, Ted Owens said “The Cork City and County VECs are delighted to support this new initiative for the young people of Cork city and County. The Cork City marathon is a wonderful event and, as sport can be a fun and worthwhile way of promoting personal development, I encourage all the secondary schools to take part.”
The Cork City Marathon kicks off on Patrick Street at 9am sharp on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd. Since it’s revival in 2007 it has become the largest mass participation sporting event in Munster, with over 6,000 people participating in the full, half Marathon or relay competition.
Entry forms and full details are available online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie
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