Viking marathon comes to Waterford

DUBLIN has one, Cork has one, Limerick and Belfast have their own — now Waterford can be added to the list.

Next June will see Waterford city hosting the first ever marathon to be held in the south-east region.

Two designated charities for 2012 —Waterford Alzheimer’s Society and Waterford Hospice — will benefit from the running of the marathon.

In honour of the city’s action-packed history, the event is named the Waterford Viking Marathon and will take place on June 30.

Event chairman Des Whelan said at a launch in Waterford Crystal that the event will be promoted on title sponsor WLR FM in the run-up to the big day. “This is a unique and first-off event for Waterford city and one which we hope will grow in the years ahead,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to embrace a healthy lifestyle whilst also supporting charities of their choice.”

The marathon has already encouraged a number of other main sponsors to come on board, including Waterford City Council, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford Crystal and Lucozade.

The event itself will start on The Mall and take in many of the streets of Waterford before heading to Tramore and finishing in the Regional Sports Centre back in the city.

Outlining the route Des Whelan said that, along with the full 26-mile marathon, there will be a half-marathon and relay option, allowing people of all levels of fitness to get involved.

* Further information and a route map are available at www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com