#RunYourTown, KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon Announced
Dublin Marathon organisers have today announced details of the official KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon. It will take place on the October bank holiday weekend, marking when thousands of runners traditionally hit the streets of Dublin. Despite the cancellation of this year’s marathon, the virtual race will ensure runners still have a goal to target. There are also options to sign up the KBC Virtual Race Series distances; 4 Mile, 10km and Half Marathon. Runners, participating with their smartphone, can complete the distances safely in their local area and will be supported by the Dublin Marathon app, which will record their distance and upload their time automatically.
Jim Aughney race director said: “The KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will allow runners to feel a sense of togetherness while they run in their own cities, town and villages around Ireland and worldwide.” He added: “We are urging all those who sign up to be responsible and safe in adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.”
Each year €9 million is raised for charity by runners of the KBC Dublin Marathon. Those who sign-up to the virtual races are encouraged to use the opportunity to have a positive impact by raising much-needed funds for charities at this challenging time with charity partner Just Giving.
Olympic Marathon runner Lizzie Lee said: “While nothing can beat the atmosphere and support on the streets of Dublin of the friendly marathon, the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will be a close second. I am delighted for runners that they can stay motivated by having a goal to aim towards.”
Finishers of the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive the official commemorative medal, with the much sought-after beanie hat the bonus for all those who complete the marathon distance.
Marathon organisers have also worked to develop an app to support runners completing the marathon distance. The app has a built-in GPS tracking feature which automatically records your distance and time with results uploaded automatically when runners have completed their race.
Stephen Scullion, National Marathon Champion 2019, who is set to compete in the 2021 Olympic Games said: “The official KBC Dublin Marathon app will be beneficial for runners, as they can track their virtual progress on the Dublin route, no matter what part of the country or world they are running in. It will be a real immersive experience for them.”
Aidan Power Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, KBC said “Working with the Dublin Marathon organisers, we wanted to support what is traditionally a big weekend in the calendar for the running community. For the many loyal and new runners of the KBC Dublin Marathon, we wanted to offer them an opportunity to run the marathon safely and virtually in their local area. We launched the #RunThisTown social media campaign to support runners taking to their streets safely in their local areas during the month of May and the response was great. I am sure we will see the same enthusiasm for the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon.”
Existing runners in the database for the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive an email today (Monday the 13th of July) with an opportunity to sign-up. While entries for the public will be open on Wednesday 15th of July at noon on kbcdublinmarathon.ie. Entry closes on Friday 24th of July.)