City marathon runners can now do things by halves
The 13.1km route will start on the Skehard Road, Mahon, run along the main course at Ringmahon Road and Castle Road towards Blackrock Castle.
Just before the castle, the half marathoners split from the main field and continue along Castle Road, into Blackrock Village and onto the Marina.
The two marathons will merge again on the Marina and run the rest of the course together, taking the same route as last year to the finish line on Patrick Street.
Bord Gáis Energy sports sponsorship manager Ger Cunningham said the half marathon route, which was unveiled yesterday, would act as a step-up for people who wanted more of a challenge this year.
“The relay section of the event has become hugely popular, but the feedback from some runners was that they were looking for a step up in distance.
“The half marathon allows those people to take on more of a challenge, and for some to maybe build for the full marathon in 2012. It’s a great opportunity for people to test themselves before they get ready to take on the full 26.2 miles,” Mr Cunningham said.
Lord Mayor of Cork Michael O’Connell, said the goal of the City Council was to encourage as many people as possible to take part.
“Finishing a marathon is an incredible achievement, but for many people, running, jogging or walking a half marathon or a leg of the relay is their personal goal.
“Together with our partners in Bord Gáis Energy, we’re looking to make the 2011 event the most accessible yet, and the addition of the half-marathon route opens up the marathon to a much wider audience,” he said.
City manager Tim Lucey said that the response to the half marathon was already ahead of expectations.
“There has been a lot of excitement about the half marathon. We’ve already seen a surge of interest on the website,” he said.
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