IRELAND’S biggest half marathon will be held on the Northside this year.
The 2017 Dublin Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 24, with the start and finish at Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, the route taking up to 10,000 runners around the peninsula.
The formal announcement was made by Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney at a reception in Fingal County Hall, Swords, to mark the occasion.
The event had previously been staged in the Phoenix Park but the number of participants had to be capped at 8,000. The move to Fingal will allow race organisers to cater for the growing demand from athletes at home and abroad to participate in the race.
Mr Augney said: “The half marathon has huge potential to grow and, with the commitment of Fingal County Council, we believe it will rapidly reach over 10,000 participants. Fingal offers a unique venue in Newbridge House and also some of the most scenic areas for our athletes.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler said the event would be a major boost to the area.
“The prospect of 10,000 runners together with their families and supporters coming to the area will certainly generate extra revenue for local businesses,” he said. “I’ve taken part in all the Fingal 10ks and I’m not sure if I’ll be up for the half marathon but I might give it a go.”
At the reception a special presentation of cheques for €3,000 was made by the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Race Series to representatives of Metro St Brigid’s AC, Clonliffe Harriers AC and Fingallians Athletic Club in appreciation of each club providing stewards and volunteers for the events.
Entries for the Dublin Half Marathon and the Fingal 10K, which takes place on Sunday, July 23, in Swords, are now being taken at www.sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie.