THE O’Neills Walled City Marathon 2019 has been hailed a huge success by the event organisers who today revealed that plans are already underway for a major spectacle to celebrate 2020.
Hundreds of spectators turned out in force on Sunday at key locations along the 26.2 mile route to cheer on the runners who braved challenging conditions to complete one of Ireland’s biggest annual marathons and earn the distinctive keepsake medal.
Around 1,000 runners signed up for this year’s event with Irish sportswear giants, O’Neills on board for the first time as title sponsors.
Kieran Kennedy, Managing of Director of O’Neills – the Choice of Champions – said they were delighted to be lead sponsor for the 2019 Derry marathon which created such a buzz across the historic Walled City at the weekend.
The O’Neills Derry superstore which opened last year in Waterloo Place, is located just yards from the marathon finish line in Guildhall Square.
Mr. Kennedy said: “O’Neills were delighted to cheer competitors across the finish line and welcome the top male, female and wheelchair finishers to the superstore with their families for the prizegiving which was performed by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Michaela Boyle.
“We wish to congratulate all of the competitors who took part in the O’Neills Walled City Marathon and also thank the organisers and O’Neills staff for all their hard work in making it such a successful and enjoyable event,” he added.
The Mayor, Councillor Michaela Boyle, also extended “huge congratulations” to everyone who took part.
“Well done to all those who took part in the Walled City Marathon, what a fantastic achievement for everyone involved,” she added.
Noel McMonagle, Race Director, said the organisers were also delighted with the success of the 7th Walled City Marathon which saw more than 800 athletes from across Ireland and beyond run through a mix of rain showers and sunshine to compete for the top spots.
This year’s winner was Eric Koech, Project Africa (2:34:19) and the female winner was Natalie Hall of Armagh A.C. (3:03:35). The wheelchair winner was Karol Doherty from Inishowen AC.
Noel McMonagle thanked Derry City and Strabane District Council, title sponsors O’Neills and all their other sponsors including local businesses who sponsored the 26 Mile Markers along the route, as well as the army of volunteers, PSNI and St John Ambulance for their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the event again this year.
“We also want to thank the fantastic Derry public for coming out in force once again to support the runners with their family members and friends.
“The Derry marathon is renowned for its massive crowd support and we are proud to say that this year was no exception with spectators lining the route to cheer the runners on at key locations including the infamous Mile 25 hill at Fahan Street.
“Next year is going to be another huge year as we celebrate 2020. Preparations are already underway to ensure the Derry marathon is bigger and better than ever and, it’s never too early for runners to start thinking about next year as well,” the Race Director added.
For full results and photos from the O’Neills Walled City Marathon 2019, visit www.thewalledcitymarathon.com and Facebook @thederrymarathon
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