The 2016 SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon and Race Series was launched yesterday at Kilmainham Gaol.
The marathon course route will take in many iconic sites associated with the 1916 Rising including Kilmainham Gaol. This year’s medal will commemorate the centenary of 1916 with a representation of the GPO on the badge of honour for those upward of 15,000 who will complete the course in October.
Last year, a record number of 15,216 athletes, representing 62 countries lined up to take on the 26.2 mile challenge. The event organisers expect to see this number increase in 2016 with the change from the traditional Bank Holiday Monday to Sunday 30th October to accommodate International participation and increased interest in the event.
“We are delighted to see the momentum behind the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon taking off establishing itself as one of the top International marathon events,” said Race Director Jim Aughney speaking at yesterday’s launch.
“With increased interest and record level participation in the race series, it’s evident that Dublin is an ideal city for running. The Marathon is the perfect platform to put Dublin on show to the thousands of runners taking part, both from home and abroad, and with the Ireland 1916-2016 Centenary, this is a unique way to pay tribute to some of our historic sites.”
“We are thrilled to have the support of SSE Airtricity to ensure this is a memorable race experience for all of our runners.”
In conjunction with the marathon, SSE Airtricity has launched the Dublin Race Series; a four race circuit running throughout the summer, that will see participants gradually increasing their mileage towards the 26.2 mark. The first run will start with the Irish Runner 5 mile and progress up to half marathon distance in preparation for the October 30th start.
“The SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon is an event we are really proud to be a part of,” said Ronan Brady, Head of Marketing and Digital at SSE Airtricity.
“It is great to see participation and the interest in running increase year on year. The preceding Race Series is perfect for introducing new runners and we hope to energise and inspire each and every one of the runners to keep progressing through to the full marathon distance.”
