None Radio celebrity launches the official Belfast City Marathon warm-up race
Cool FM DJ and Northern Ireland celebrity Pete Snodden is urging local runners of all capabilities to join him in running the 2010 Titanic Quarter 10K – the official warm-up race for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
The Cool FM breakfast show host has vowed to get fit and lose weight ahead of his 30th birthday this summer and has identified the Titanic Quarter 10K, dubbed the ‘City Run with a View’, as the ideal way to get in shape.
Sponsored by Titanic Quarter Ltd and Belfast Harbour, and organised by Athletics Northern Ireland, the event is only in its fourth year but has already established itself as Northern Ireland’s premier 10K road race. This 2010 race will take place on Sunday, April 11th, starting at 2pm from the Northern Ireland Science Park.
Over 1,200 runners of all capabilities took part last year, from elite international athletes to local runners, joggers, walkers and fun runners, with over 1,600 entrants expected for 2010. Those taking part will enjoy a close-up view of the ever-expanding Titanic Quarter development on Belfast’s historic Queen’s Island.
Pete Snodden commented:
“After the inevitable weight gain over Christmas and with my 30th birthday looming this summer, I am determined to get back in shape and see the Titanic Quarter 10K as a great motivation. Athletics NI have provided me with a comprehensive training programme which I have started already – hopefully that will see me record a good time on the day.
“I’m very excited about the challenge and would urge anyone else keen to get fit to take part. Titanic Quarter is making a generous donation to my chosen charity, Cash for Kids, and if anyone else would like to make a donation please get in touch with myself or Titanic Quarter.”
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.
Vicki Smyth of Titanic Quarter Ltd said:
“The race is a fantastic opportunity for those taking part to see up close the changing skyline at Titanic Quarter, one of the largest urban waterfront regeneration schemes in Europe, with the ARC complex nearing completion and construction work well under way on the iconic £97m Titanic Signature Project.
“Titanic Quarter is delighted to once again sponsor an event which is growing in success each year. We wish Pete Snodden well with his training programme and look forward to seeing his finishing time and position flashing up on the LED screen.”
David Seaton, MBE, Chairman of Athletics Northern Ireland, added:
“Northern Ireland is experiencing something of a running boom at present, with more and more people realising it is a cheap, effective and enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy. I am sure we will see an increase in entries for an event which we always look forward to organising.
“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 is also the ideal opportunity for runners to prepare for the Belfast City Marathon the following month.”
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.
The Titanic Quarter 10K will also feature the popular one-mile junior race for Under 15s, which will take place before the main event, and a series of family activities throughout the day. There is a total prize fund of £2,000 with each entrant receiving a special commemorative T-shirt.
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.
