Danny McDaid runs through the tape to mark the official launch of the Donegal Marathon 2014 this evening.
The countdown has officially started to the Donegal Marathon for 2014.
The event, which takes place in Letterkenny on August 24th, was launched this evening at the local Town Council offices.
Former Olympic athlete and event ambassador Danny McDaid officially ran through the red tape to launch the event.
The chairman of the event, Cllr Dessie Larkin, told Donegal Daily he hoped this year’s event was just the start of what will become an annual event.
The Donegal Marathon logo which was designed by LYIT Art and Design student Samantha McGinley from Letterkenny.
“The amount of people out walking and jogging on the streets of Letterkenny and across Donegal is remarkable.
“If we can harness that energy and entice them to come and take part in the Donegal Marathon, event to try the half marathon, then it’s going to be a huge success.
“It’s hard to predict numbers but I would be hopeful of hundreds of people taking part in some shape or form be that the full marathon or half marathon,” said Cllr Larkin.
The well-known and affable Letterkenny man admitted that he has never managed a marathon but quipped that he has managed a few Snickers in his day!
His hopes for the event were echoed by fellow speakers including the Mayor of Donegal, Cllr Ian McGarvey, and Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Pascal Blake.
Legendary runner Danny McDaid, the last person to win a marathon in Letterkenny when it was staged back in 1983, said he couldn’t believe it was 31 years since the last event.
“It was a very proud moment for me running past my house and even better because I was alone,” laughed Danny.
He paid tribute to the Donegal Marathon committee and encouraged as many people to take part as possible.
Plans for the event are still gathering pace but Cllr Larkin promised a “completely professional approach” to the event right down to the quality of t-shirt and goodie bags for competitors.
The event’s official website www.donegalmarathon.ie gives a complete breakdown of all that is needed for competitors from the actual route to tips for training as well as the vital registration forms.
Donegal Daily will bring you regular updates on the Donegal Marathon for 2014 as the committee release them to us.
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