The Donegal Half Marathon and Team Challenge Cup gets underway in just two weeks’ time. Taking place on Sunday, 19th August, the Donegal Half Marathon will welcome competitors from across Donegal and beyond to Letterkenny for the annual sporting event.
The Donegal Half Marathon is ideal for runners who are preparing for the Dublin Marathon later this year, while the Team Challenge Cup opens up the event to beginner 5k and 10k runners.
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Children’s 1K Fun Run in conjunction with Donegal Sports Partnership, the event returns again this year. Children of all ages are invited to come along and enjoy the fun family atmosphere. Children can register on the morning of the event from 9am at the Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny and entry is free. The three categories are age 6 – 9, 10 – 13 and 14 – 16 and parents and guardians are asked to accompany younger age groups.
Looking forward to this year’s race, Dessie Larkin, Chairperson of the Donegal Half Marathon said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes over the last few months and we’re looking forward to another great event on Sunday 19th. This year, we’ve moved to a half marathon event but we’re expecting big entries for both the main event and the Team Challenge Cup. The Team Challenge Cup is ideal for anyone who is comfortable with running 5k and since it first launched, businesses, charities and groups have done the event to raise funds which is great. There’s still time to register online so if you’re on the fence, now is the time to get booking for a great event!”
Meanwhile, the Donegal Half Marathon and Donegal Volunteer Centre will host a Volunteer Evening on Wednesday 8th August at 7pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to help out and Dessie Larkin says the information evening is a great opportunity to see what roles are available:
“The Donegal Half Marathon relies on the help of volunteers every year to ensure the smooth running of the event and without them, we wouldn’t be able to run it; so huge thanks to everyone who gave their time over the last few years. If you’re available on the weekend of the half marathon to help out at the various stations, come along to the Volunteer Evening on Wednesday 8th at 7pm to find out more. There’s loads of jobs on both Saturday 18th or Sunday 19th August.”
Adding to this Dessie said: “The Donegal Half Marathon also relies heavily on the support and sponsorship of local businesses and organisations. These businesses don’t get enough credit for all their support so huge thanks to our sponsors Watson Hire, Optum Ireland, Kelly’s Toyota, Hegarty’s Ford, Value Centre, Highland Bakery, Diver’s Hyundai and Radisson Blu Letterkenny who kindly sponsored the volunteer evening.”
Online registrations close on Friday, 17th August and runners and walkers can register for the half marathon and team challenge cup on Saturday 18th August at the Aura Leisure Centre. Details of race pack collection will be available on the Donegal Half Marathon social media channels in the coming days.
To register visit www.donegalhalfmarathon.ie.
