Entries clocking up for official Belfast City Marathon warm-up race The countdown is on for runners of all capabilities to sign up for the new-look 2010 Titanic Quarter 10K – the official warm-up race for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
Dubbed the ‘City Run with a View’, the event will live up to this title more than ever this year with a new starting point and changes to the route which will see runners get a close-up view of HMS Caroline and other landmarks at the ever-expanding Titanic Quarter development on Belfast’s historic Queen’s Island.
Sponsored by Titanic Quarter Ltd and Belfast Harbour, and organised by Athletics Northern Ireland, the 2010 event will take place on Sunday, April 11th, starting at 2pm from the Pump-House at Titanic’s Thompson Dry Dock. Pre-event entries are already at an all-time high compared to this time in previous years, including Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden, who has signed up for the run as part of his ‘Get Fit for 30’ campaign.
As well as the 10k there is also the TQ Junior Mile race, and a host of fun activities for children on the day.
Denise Shields of Titanic Quarter said:
“This is only the fourth year of the Titanic Quarter 10K but it has already established itself as Northern Ireland’s premier 10K road race. Excitement is mounting as the build-up gains more and more momentum – with just less than a month to go there are almost double the amount of entries than at this stage in any previous years. And, with an added focus on family fun at Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House, there will be activities for competitors and spectators alike.
“Over 1,200 runners of all capabilities took part in 2009, from elite international athletes to local runners, joggers, walkers and fun runners. This year we’re expecting more than 1,600 entrants! We are delighted to have Pete Snodden on board and wish him well as he runs for charity – he and the other runners will have the added bonus this year of getting a much closer view of the Titanic Quarter sites thanks to the changes in the route.”
All runners will once again receive a text message to their mobile phones once the race is over with details of their individual position, official time and category position. And, in a new addition this year, a LED screen will display every runner’s name, race position and time once they cross the finish line.
David Seaton, Chairman of Athletics Northern Ireland, commented:
“The Titanic Quarter 10K has undoubtedly become one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland running calendar and this year’s event looks set to become even bigger and better than before. The race sees fun runners, joggers and club athletes get the opportunity to compete against elite international athletes in one of Belfast’s most interesting and historic areas. It’s also the ideal preparation for the Belfast City Marathon.
“This year’s event will once again feature the popular one-mile junior race for Under 15s, which will take place before the main race, with face painting, a bouncy castle and balloons ensuring the event will be a fun day all for all the family. There is a total prize fund of £2,000 with each entrant receiving a special commemorative T-shirt.”
Cool FM breakfast show DJ Pete Snodden is two-thirds of the way through a training schedule designed for him by Athletics NI in a bid to help him lose weight and get fit ahead of his 30th birthday this summer. He said:
“Most of my training so far has been on the treadmill in the gym, but from next week onwards I plan to hit the road and follow my schedule more closely. I had a blip last week when work commitments meant I couldn’t get any training done at all, but I am determined to get back on track and make sure I finish the race in under an hour. That’s my target and if I don’t meet it I will be devastated!
“I want to lose some weight and get in shape before I turn 30 and saw the Titanic Quarter 10K as the ideal way to do this. Titanic Quarter has made a generous donation to my chosen charity, Cash for Kids, and I would urge anyone who would like to make a donation to get in touch with myself or Titanic Quarter.”
Simon Tonui took the winner’s prize in the Men’s race last year in a record time over the Titanic course, while the 2006 Belfast Marathon winner, Joyce Kandie, was the top female.
Entry fees are £10 for athletic club members and £12 to unattached individual runners. Entry forms are available from Athletics NI, other athletic clubs and leisure centres. Online entry is available at www.niathletics.org. The closing date for entries is Monday, March 29th.
