An estimated 4,000 walkers and runners are expected to participate in the 2009 Limerick Leader Limerick Women's Mini Marathon on Sunday, 4th October next.The annual mini-marathon, which is coordinated by the Limerick Athletic Club, takes place around the University of Limerick campus. In 2008, the 7-kilometre event attracted 3,455 competitors from all over Ireland. This year, an estimated 4,000 people are expected to take part consolidating the mini-marathon's status as the biggest sporting event in Limerick. The event is being sponsored by the Limerick Leader and is being run in association with Limerick's Live 95FM.
Speaking ahead of this evening's official launch of the 2009 County Limerick Women's Mini-Marathon, Councillor David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said: "I am delighted to learn that so many people are yet again rolling up their sleeves to take part in this year's event. This memorable annual occasion is made extra special by the huge funds raised for various charities at local, national and international level. Thanks to people's extraordinary generosity, many charitable organisations are enabled to continue their invaluable work and, in turn, bring further untold benefits to members of the local community'.
The Cathaoirleach continued: "In addition to the obvious competitive and fundraising elements to this mini-marathon, it is also a unique social event for women. For example, preparation for the mini-marathon begins many weeks before the event actually takes place. I am delighted to see that so many participants are once again participating in the 'Street Steppin' initiative, which is coordinated by the County Limerick Sports Partnership."
In recent weeks, mini-marathon participants have been gathering in Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Athea, Rathkeale, Castletroy and Knocklong to walk and run along the County's Sli Na Slainte routes. Cllr Naughton stated: "I would especially like to congratulate the Limerick County Sports Co-ordinator Phelim Macken for organising these meet and train events, which help ensure that runners and walkers are aware of and prepared for the physical demands placed on their bodies by participating in October's mini-marathon."
The Cathaoirleach noted that a huge amount of organisational work went into making events such as the Mini-Marathon a success.
"The Limerick Athletic Club and its members have worked tirelessly to ensure the continued success of the mini-marathon. From the registration of participants to the organisation of the race on the day, the extensive work that is carried out has made the event one of the largest and most successful of its kind in Ireland. I would also like to compliment the Limerick Leader newspaper, the main sponsor of this event, and also the support given by Limerick Live 95FM, without whom there simply would not be a Limerick Women's Mini-Marathon", he concluded.
Entry forms, posters and sponsorship cards are available from the Limerick Leader office, 54 O'Connell St., Limerick, and Limerick's Live 95FM, Radio House, Dock Road, Limerick, and on the Limerick Athletic Club website at www.limerickac.ie. All entries should be submitted by post or via www.runireland.com, while the deadline for receipt of entries is Friday 25th September
The 2009 Limerick Women's Mini-Marathon will be officially launched at a ceremony in Limerick County Hall this evening.
