The organisers of the Achill half marathon have issued an SOS to fellow islanders all over the country – come and participate in this year’s event.
The scenic 13-mile route runs around the centre of Ireland’s largest island – and the hosts are seeking to turn the 2011 staging into a celebration of island life by offering free entry to anyone from the other offshore islands dotted around the Irish coastline.
“There are 33 inhabited offshore islands around Ireland and we want to have at least one person from each of those participating in our marathon on July 2,” explained race organiser and manager of Achill Tourism, Helen Applegarth.
“Our marathon is a truly international event, which last year attracted 123 participants from 13 different countries all over the world, as well as participants from every corner of Ireland.
“Islands have a special place in Irish life though – we know that here in Achill and we are proud of our unique culture and way of life. We plan to honour the island way of life by having a special ‘island’ category in this year’s event and by inviting members of the island brethren to start this year’s Achill Half-Marathon.”
The organising committee have written to all development associations with responsibility for offshore islands, seeking their assistance in making this a truly ‘all-island’ spectacle.
For further details on the Achill Half-Marathon, or to register for this year’s event, visit achillmarathon.com or call the Achill Tourism Office on 098 20705 or 098 20400.
