'This year we want to break records': Cork City Marathon organisers aim to raise €100k for charities

Sat, 18 May, 2024 - 09:37

Breda Graham

The sold-out Cork City Marathon aims to raise €100k for charities as anticipation builds towards race day.

Already €67,000 has been raised for local and national charities through the fundraising efforts of athletes and their supporters, and race organisers hope that as the final countdown approaches that will increase to €100,000.

With just over two weeks to go until the marathon on June 2, thoughts are turning to final race day preparations and fundraising efforts by those opting to run in aid of a charity.

Charities set to benefit from Cork City Marathon Fundraising include Breast Cancer Ireland, The Irish Cancer Society, Marymount University Hospice, Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, Pieta, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Dogs for the Disabled, Epilepsy Ireland, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Milford Care Centre, Irish Heart Foundation, The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and more.

Sanctuary Runners Siun Kearney and Esmeraldo Taveres with Irish olympic athlete Lizzie Lee at the launch of the Cork City Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 2 June 2024. Photo Joleen Cronin.

For those interested in supporting an athlete's chosen charity there is still time to do so as fundraising takes place online on the eventmaster.ie platform where donations can be made.

With over 11,000 entries in 2023, the Cork City Marathon continues to grow each year, attracting participants from Ireland and around the globe. From the USA to Asia, runners flock to Ireland, contributing to the international flavour of the event.

Race Director Eamonn Hayes said: "This year we want to break records, and not just in running times. We started off by selling out all three races in record time and now we’d love to raise the largest amount we can for charity.

As many as 11k athletes will participate in this year’s Marathon and for those who are choosing to do so in aid of a charity, we not only salute you but offer our gratitude and congratulations.

“Having an extra reason why when taking part in a marathon, such as fundraising for a good cause or doing it in memory of a loved one can be hugely motivational and I hope this helps spur them on towards the finish line on the day.”