Latest news with #BelfastCityMarathon
Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Give it a rest on lecturing people on what they should or shouldn't do on Sundays
Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church on the Ravenhill Road, Belfast, is just around the corner from where I live — so, naturally, I take a passing interest in what's going on there. We're practically neighbours, after all. Last Sunday, during the Belfast City Marathon, a giant blue banner was draped across the front of the church, reminding everyone to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Irish Post
06-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Prisoners complete Belfast City Marathon for children's cancer charity
TWENTY prisoners completed the Belfast City Marathon over the weekend to raise funds for a children's cancer charity. The Maghaberry Prison inmates, who were all aged between 21 and 70 years old, ran the 26.2 mile marathon distance inside the prison's walls while the Belfast marathon got underway in the city on May 4. Two prison service staff teams, including Deputy Governor Claire Graham, also took part in the run, which raised money for the Cancer Fund for Children charity. 'This is the third Belfast Marathon held in Maghaberry Prison,' Maghaberry Prison Governor Tracy Megrath said. 'We started this in 2023 and it's been an annual event for the staff and prisoners ever since. 'The prisoners have been on a structured programme since January this year - as well as the fitness aspect they've been learning about good nutrition and diet,' she added. 'Several hundred pounds has already been raised through donations from staff and fellow prisoners, and we expect the final total to top £1000.' Chloe Walkingshaw, Governor in charge of Activities at Maghaberry Prison, pictured with Cormac McMullan, Community Fundraising and Engagement Lead with the Cancer Fund for Children, pictured with some of the prisoners who took part in the run Belfast Marathon administrators measured an official prison course for the prisoners to complete the 26.2miles. Ms Megrath added: 'The Prison Service challenge and support all those who are sent to us by the courts, and through various rehabilitation projects and purposeful activity we promote a sense of achievement and prepare them for the return to their community.' Cormac McMullan, Community Fundraising and Engagement lead with the Cancer Fund for Children, said the charity was 'incredibly grateful' for the prison's support. 'We are incredibly grateful to the Northern Ireland Prison Service at Maghaberry Prison for taking on this challenge to support families affected by cancer,' he said. 'Every week in Northern Ireland, three more children and young people are diagnosed with cancer, and many others are living with the impact of a parent's diagnosis. 'The funds raised will help us provide vital support in hospital, in the community, and at our therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge - ensuring young people don't have to face cancer alone.'
BBC News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Belfast City Marathon chair dies
A man who "was instrumental in shaping the Belfast City Marathon" has died, one day after the 2025 event on Sunday. John Allen served as a director since the marathon's inception in 1982, and more recently as chair for six numbers took part in the race this year - organisers said 6,500 full marathon runners signed up along with 2,750 relay teams (which had between two and five people in them) and 1,200 a statement on Monday, marathon organisers said Mr Allen was a "deeply respected figure in the athletics community and a cornerstone of the Belfast City Marathon". "His vision, leadership, and passion for sport helped elevate the event into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city's calendar."His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the event — and its people — for years to come."John will be remembered as a gentleman, a leader, and a tireless advocate for athletics. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider sporting community," the statement said. 'A lasting legacy' Willowfield Temperance Harriers in east Belfast who Mr Allen was associated with for over 60 years, said Mr Allen's "wisdom and unwavering commitment" to the local athletics community would be remembered, adding that "he has left a lasting legacy that will continue for years to come"."We know he will be greatly missed by everyone at Willowfield, his colleagues in Athletics NI, UK Athletics and at the Belfast Marathon."In a statement, Athletics NI said described him as a "true gentleman and a beloved pillar of our community"."John guided the sport through transformative growth with wisdom, integrity, and selfless dedication."
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Man who ‘helped shape' Belfast Marathon dies a day after race: ‘He leaves a lasting legacy'
In a statement on Monday, marathon organisers announced the death of John Allen and described him as a 'deeply respected figure in the athletics community and a cornerstone of the Belfast City Marathon'. It's understood Mr Allen had been undergoing treatment for cancer over recent years. Tens of thousands of people across Northern Ireland took part in the annual marathon on Sunday. Mr Allen had been a director of the organisation for over four decades and served as chair for six. In a statement the marathon organisers added: 'John dedicated much of his life to the advancement of athletics in Northern Ireland. "He was instrumental in shaping the Belfast City Marathon, serving as a Director since its inception in 1982, and more recently as chair for six impactful years. "His vision, leadership, and passion for sport helped elevate the event into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city's calendar. 'Known not only for his remarkable technical contributions but also for his mentorship, John played a pivotal role in guiding the Marathon's management team. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the event — and its people — for years to come. 'John will be remembered as a gentleman, a leader, and a tireless advocate for athletics. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider sporting community.' Other tributes in the athletics community came from east Belfast running club Willowfield Temperance Harriers, who said Mr Allen had a 60 year association with the organisation. "John has been associated with Willowfield for over 60 years,' they wrote. "His many years of service into the club have been invaluable especially around the clubs race, the Seeley Cup, who without him the race wouldn't be the success it is today. 'His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the athletics community in NI will always be remembered and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue for years to come. 'We know he will be greatly missed by everyone at Willowfield, his colleagues in Athletics NI, UK Athletics and at the Belfast Marathon.' Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds added his own tribute, writing on social media: 'I'm very sorry to see this. I was fortunate to have met John over the years. 'A huge loss but he'll be fondly remembered and his hard work will live on with every event he helped shape.'
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Widespread tributes after death of Belfast Marathon chair John Allen a day after latest race
In a statement on Monday, marathon organisers announced the death of John Allen and described him as a 'deeply respected figure in the athletics community and a cornerstone of the Belfast City Marathon'. It's understood Mr Allen had been undergoing treatment for cancer over recent years. Tens of thousands of people across Northern Ireland took part in the annual marathon on Sunday. Mr Allen had been a director of the organisation for over four decades and served as chair for six. In a statement the marathon organisers added: 'John dedicated much of his life to the advancement of athletics in Northern Ireland. "He was instrumental in shaping the Belfast City Marathon, serving as a Director since its inception in 1982, and more recently as chair for six impactful years. "His vision, leadership, and passion for sport helped elevate the event into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city's calendar. 'Known not only for his remarkable technical contributions but also for his mentorship, John played a pivotal role in guiding the Marathon's management team. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the event — and its people — for years to come. 'John will be remembered as a gentleman, a leader, and a tireless advocate for athletics. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider sporting community.' Other tributes in the athletics community came from east Belfast running club Willowfield Temperance Harriers, who said Mr Allen had a 60 year association with the organisation. "John has been associated with Willowfield for over 60 years,' they wrote. "His many years of service into the club have been invaluable especially around the clubs race, the Seeley Cup, who without him the race wouldn't be the success it is today. 'His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the athletics community in NI will always be remembered and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue for years to come. 'We know he will be greatly missed by everyone at Willowfield, his colleagues in Athletics NI, UK Athletics and at the Belfast Marathon.' Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds added his own tribute, writing on social media: 'I'm very sorry to see this. I was fortunate to have met John over the years. 'A huge loss but he'll be fondly remembered and his hard work will live on with every event he helped shape.'
