Belfast Chamber excited about Marathon Move

Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce welcomes the 38th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon’s move from May Day Bank Holiday Monday to Sunday 5th May 2019.

Rajesh Rana, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “We are absolutely delighted to support this fantastic event and to see it moved to the Sunday, something we have been actively lobbying for, for the past number of years.

“We know that this move will make such a difference to our city’s businesses who normally enjoy an increase in trade on bank holidays, on marathon day trade in the city centre is only half of that experienced on an average Monday.

“We believe that the move to the Sunday morning marathon means that it will attract more runners and even more spectators to the city when the shops aren’t open, thus at no disruption to trade –it complements the Sunday business day starting later – those watching the marathon can then visit the city in the afternoon.

“Another benefit is that it allows business owners to encourage staff and colleagues to take part in relays and indeed the full marathon, to raise much-needed money for local charities – when it was on a Monday, this wasn’t always possible due to shift demands – this is something we would very much like to encourage across our members and beyond.”

Rajesh concluded: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the decision makers and the Marathon organisers for making this change. We are certain that the move will make sense for the whole City of Belfast.”

David Seaton MBE, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, said: “Few of us involved in the inaugural event in 1982 could have imagined that the Belfast City Marathon would still be in existence some 37 years later, albeit in a slightly different and more inclusive format.

“May 2019 will see us break with tradition as we unveil and explore a fresh 26 miles 385 yards route in and around Belfast and deliver the competition on a Sunday.

“These are two major changes which we hope will result in greater participation numbers and add to the enjoyment of the athletes and spectators alike.

David concluded, “I have a feeling of excitement as we explore this new sporting ground and look forward to helping deliver a memorable day’s competition at what is Northern Ireland’s biggest mass participation sporting event.”

For more information on Deep RiverRock Belfast Marathon, visit https://www.belfastcitymarathon.com.