THE organisers of the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run have spread its wings ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend event by adding Shannon Airport as a sponsor.
One of the premier mass participation events of the year in Ireland, 12,000 people are expected to participate in marathon, marathon relay, half marathon and the six mile race through the streets of Limerick this Sunday.
Commenting on the sponsorship, John Cleary, organiser of the event, said, “There are already people flying in to participate in the event from abroad and we see an opportunity to grow that, which would be of great benefit to Limerick.”
“Having Shannon Airport on our doorstep makes this so much easier and makes it an ideal sponsor for us,” said Mr Cleary.
In just three years the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run is now the fastest growing participatory event in Ireland with over 10,000 race entrants registered in 2013. According to an economic and social impact report commissioned by Limerick City Council, 49 per cent of respondents stated that the event was the main reason they started physical exercise.
According to airport marketing manager Marie Slattery, the growth of the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run has been “spectacular”.
“We are delighted to have come on board as a sponsor. Sports tourism is big business and the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run is a perfect example of what a strong event can do for city or region and we are delighted to be able to support its growth,” said Ms Slattery.
