The famous Connemara International Marathon, often referred to as the Connemarathon, will take place on 11th April 2010 with a new title sponsor RONHILL on board. ‘It is fantastic for the Connemarathon to be associated with a quality sports brand, particularly RONHILL as their specialised running gear is ideal for our climate’. Comments Ray O’Connor, Race Director. ‘RONHILL’s association with the Connemarathon goes back several years as the Connemarathon branded clothing is from their range. The reaction to the RONHILL Technical tee shirts that were given to last years finishers was so positive that it just made sense for them to come on board as soon as the opportunity arose’.
The RONHILL Connemara Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in the world and includes a 13.1 mile Half Marathon, a 26.2 mile Full Marathon miles and an incredible 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon. The event appeals to both walkers and runners with demand so high that it sells out five months in advance. The route takes in Connemara’s beautiful Inagh Valley with it’s lakes and majestic mountains, as well as the quaint village of Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour. The course is challenging but participants keep coming back year after year – there is something special about running a marathon in such a remote location with very few spectators and only nature and your fellow runners to spur you on. There is a real sense that this event pits Man against Nature, in a very positive environment. The entry fee includes bus transfers to race start from Galway City, Oughterard and Clifden and back again after the event, refreshments served in Peacokes Hotel as well as a well deserved finishers medal. This event draws a huge International following with participants from over 30 countries eager to soak up the unique Connemarathon atmosphere.
The event is already in it’s 9th year and 2010 promises to deliver the usual mixture of elite athletes and regular runners and walkers. ‘It is a full day out with a marathon thrown in’ says Ray O’Connor ‘The fun starts as soon as the participants get on the buses from 8am in the morning – the bus transfer to race start is effectively a tour of Connemara and the atmosphere is amazing. The task of running such long distances is made easier in such a scenic location’.
The local and business communities in Connemara come out in force to support this event as the Connemara Marathon kicks of the tourist season bringing an estimated 6,500 bed nights to the region. Sports and outdoor events are one of the few tourism products that are thriving in these difficult economic times and Ireland has seen a surge in the number of running and triathlon events. Sebastien Locteau from RunIreland.com confirms this trend, ‘RunIreland.com offers free listings on our event calendar and every day new events are being added from 5K road races to Ultra Marathons. We really are spoilt for choice in Ireland and it is also encouraging to see so many events for children being organised. This has to be one of the positive spin off’s from the recession – sport is a low cost leisure pursuit that crosses all age groups with the added bonus that it is good for our health.’
The Connemara Marathon was instrumental in generating the surge in interest in running that has developed in the West of Ireland over the past few years and has become the blueprint by which many of these events are now being organised and run. ‘Health and Safety of the participants is the number one priority and the support of the local authorities, including Galway County Council, the Gardaí and medical teams are crucial. The Connemara Marathon has always had the full support from these groups and that has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the event’. Comments Ray O’Connor.
Picture Caption: Ciara Geraghty and Shauna Bermingham attending the RONHILL Connemara Marathon title sponsorship launch at the Dublin City Marathon Expo
