UP TO 15,000 people are expected to register for this year’s Regeneron Great Limerick Run, the biggest ever entry for the May Bank Holiday event.
The 2020 version of the single biggest mass participation event outside of Dublin was launched on Monday by Deputy Mayor Adam Teskey who said that everything suggests the organisers and sponsors are set to take the run to another level across the next decade.
“It has opened a lot of eyes to the new energy of this great city and its boost to the economy over the course of the May Bank Holiday Riverfest weekend is fantastic.
“We are incredibly grateful to the organisers of the event, for their contribution to the transformation of Limerick, for helping spread the word and bring so many people to the Mid-West.
“To coincide with Limerick as European Green Leaf City for 2020, I would also like to congratulate the organisers for putting a greater emphasis on making the run more environmentally friendly. And I know that a huge amount of people have already registered and are in training for the run so best of luck to those who will be on the start line on the May Bank Holiday weekend.”
Last year’s participant numbers exceeded 13,000 for the six mile, half marathon and full marathon categories. Based on the number of early registrations, the event is on track to surpass last year’s total by almost 2,000 people.
A social and economic impact report commissioned by Limerick City and County Council conducted by W2 Consulting, estimated the event will deliver a welcome €4.5 million boost to the local economy over the course of the May bank holiday Riverfest weekend.
It was also announced on Monday that top artists Hudson Taylor will perform at the Big Top on the night of the Great Limerick Run.
Limerick City and County Council chief executive, Dr Pat Daly said they were planning a significant promotional campaign to highlight the city and county this year.
“We expect that the May Bank Holiday weekend combination of the Regeneron Great Limerick Run and Riverfest will help grow visitor numbers even more and we’re delighted to support it.”
Race Director John Cleary welcomed the continued title sponsorship of Regeneron and also confirmed that the Munster Athletics Council have again designated both the Marathon and Half Marathon as their official Munster championship races.
In anticipation of increased demand for places in the children’s ‘Bon Secours Hospital Children’s Run for Fun’ which takes place in the University of Limerick on Saturday, May 3, capacity has been extended to accommodate 3,500 children which is now the largest children’s event nationally.
