2023 Cork City Marathon. Image: Darragh Kane
- 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!
- #CorkCityMarathon24 #EveryMileisaMemory
With just over 2 weeks to go until the sold out 2024 Cork City Marathon thoughts are turning to final race day preparations and fundraising efforts by those opting to run in aid of a charity. To date €67,000 has been raised for numerous local and national charities by Cork City Marathon athletes and their supporters.
Led by Cork City Council, the sellout 2024 event promises to be a memorable and challenging experience as athletes in all three races (full marathon, half marathon and 10K) will enjoy scenic courses winding through the picturesque streets of Cork City and suburbs. Every mile is sure to make lasting memories. Now that the final countdown is to Race Day (2nd June) organisers are hopeful of achieving €100k in funds raised for good causes with registered charity status.
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.
If anyone is 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 to any listed athlete’s chosen charity. The Cork City Marathon page on this site has a tagline that reads ‘Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference’ and that is the ethos behind combining sporting and charitable endeavour.
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 this remarkable event.
In addition to athletes, spectators and supporters play an equally vital role, unleashing creativity with motivational signs, cheers, and applause that resonate throughout the course. Live music provided by members of the Cork School of Music and play activity with Let’s Play Cork will also add to public and participant enjoyment of the event. The city can anticipate a significant economic boost, with hotels booking up for the weekend and a vibrant festival atmosphere along the race routes.
Eamonn Hayes, Race Director 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! “.
The 2024 Cork City Marathon will kick off at 8:15 am for the full marathon, 10:15am for the half marathon and 8:45am for the 10k race (assembly for this race will commence at 8:15am at Merchant’s Quay). As a full member of AIMS, the Cork marathon is World Athletics certified. Make sure to mark the date in your diary as it promises to be an unforgettable day for both participants and spectators. All races are now sold out so it is no longer possible to register, however ticket transfers can be facilitated through official channels. For more information on this year’s event, please visit www.corkcity.ie/cork-city-marathon-2024 and follow @corkcitymarathon on social media.