The annual Achill Half Marathon and 10k will this year be broadcast to an international audience. The annual Achill Half Marathon and 10k will this year be broadcast to an international audience. Irish TV have been announced as the broadcast media partner for the 2015 event which takes place on July 4th.
Ireland’s first international TV channel will film the races on the day as well as other events that are happening in Achill that weekend and the programme will be broadcast in the weeks following the event on Irish TV Sky 191, Freesat 400, eVision 191, free to air boxes and online at www.irishtv.ie
"Irish TV are delighted to be the broadcast media partner for the Achill Half Marathon, and 10k" said the station’s content editor Toni Bourke. "We have many Achill fans from across the world who watch Irish TV on a regular basis and we know that this programme will be of particular interest to them." The Achill Half Marathon has become a firm fixture in the Achill calendar having commenced in 2006 with 300 runners. However, it has grown enormously and organisers have confirmed that entry to the 2015 event will be capped at 1,200 entrants for the half marathon and 800 more for the 10k so register early to avoid disappointment. "This year’s race coincides with America’s Independence Day. Achill’s close ties to Cleveland, Ohio, which is officially twinned with Achill will bring a special meaning to the day for our friends and family aboard who can look forward to the Irish TV screening later this year," said committee spokesperson Noel Stenson. As has happened in past years, the Achill Half Marathon committee has chosen a charity partner for the race and this year’s partner is the Irish Cancer Society. This is a great cause that provides support services all across Ireland to individuals and their families who are affected by cancer. The event is open to runners and walkers of all abilities including the seasoned runners and clubs to beginners who can run or walk. "Although the majority of entrants will be from Ireland it is always encouraging to see the numbers of international runners increase each year," the spokesperson continued. The race itself offers views of breathtaking scenery with the course taking you past the base of Achill’s three highest mountains – Croughaun, Slievemore and Minuan. The course is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way and provides the runners with a spectacular ever changing backdrop to their journey. The half marathon starts at 10.30am with the 10k race starting 30 minutes later at 11am at Keel Sandybanks. The registration HQ will be open from 2pm on Friday July 3 or from 7am to 9am on the day of the race.