Limerick marathon set to boost local economy

LIMERICK is to join the marathon cities of the world for its 2010 May bank holiday Riverfest festival.

It is anticipated that a marathon could attract 7,000 participants to the city, boosting the local economy by an estimated €10 million.

Martin Tynan, chief organiser, said: “Limerick’s sporting tradition is second to none and, as a group, we have been working behind the scenes for the last 18 months in an attempt to fill the last big void in the city’s sporting calendar. The Great Limerick Run not only sees a marathon return to our native city for the first time in over 25 years but also provides for runners, of all calibre and experience, a means of taking part with a half marathon and 10km option.

“The job starts here to get the word around to people of all running ability that a world class event will be taking place in Limerick next May and that there is no better place to come to enjoy a weekend’s sport than Limerick.

“We have put great thought into formulating a route that will offer both a challenge to the elite athletes, but will also help showcase the historical and modern parts of the city to participants and spectators alike. The other key element of any mass participation athletics event is the opportunity for local charities to benefit significantly and this is something we will be encouraging all our participants to embrace.”

The route will go from the People’s Park and the participants will pass many great Limerick sights including Georgian Limerick, Thomond Park, King John’s Castle, the University of Limerick and the River Shannon itself.

Shannon Development’s Limerick development manager Eoghan Prendergast said: “Identifying and securing key mobile tourism events has been central to our work over the past number of years and we are delighted to be able to offer our support to the organisers of the Great Limerick Run.

“The fact that we have been able to integrate this event into the already successful Riverfest weekend allows us to market the Great Limerick Run as a weekend away for competitors and spectators to sample the delights Limerick has to offer.”

* www.greatlimerickrun.com.