West Belfast is IN!
Council reverse marathon decision
Over 11,000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s race
Belfast City Council has reversed a decision to exclude west Belfast from the route of this year’s marathon.
In February, race organisers were criticised when a new route included parts of North Down and Newtownabbey, but left out the west of the city.
However, the Grosvenor Road and parts of the Lower Falls have now been included in the race.
The decision was made following a meeting between the city’s marathon committee and local representatives.
Committee chairman Danny O’Connor said he hoped the new course would attract a greater Northern Ireland audience to the race.
Community
“By tweaking the route for 2005 we have now included all areas of the city and we think this is a compromise which allows the marathon to move forward as an international race and still maintain support as a community event,” he said.
West Belfast Sinn Fein councillor Paul Maskey said it was important that every community in the city was involved in the event.
“The committee have also agreed to involve themselves in a proper process of consultation with interested parties before deciding on the route of next year’s marathon,” he said.
Over 11,000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s event which is being held on 2 May.
