‘Sleeping giant’ adds marathon to list of sporting attractions

HULL’S bid to establish itself as a centre of sporting and cultural excellence has received a boost with the announcement that it is to stage its first full marathon.

The inaugural Hull Marathon will take place on Easter Sunday, April 8, next year, and is the 22nd major sporting or cultural event planned in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012, including the visit of the Olympic torch.

Organisers hope the race will eventually become a fixture on the national sporting calendar, while civic leaders are already welcoming its potential boost to the visitor economy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Terry Geraghty, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and sport at the city council, said: “We are trying to bring more big attractions to the city and this is one of the many events linked to the torch with more to be announced.

“I think this city is a sleeping giant and few people know what we’ve got to offer. When you look at the museums, maritime features, culture and sport we don’t get the sort of attention we deserve and next year is that golden opportunity to change that.”

He added: “I hope we can bring investment to the city. Sport and culture are the main reasons why people invest; they bring executives to the area and they see what we can offer.”

Janet Reuben, chief executive of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “A Hull marathon would be a fabulous addition to this region’s already exciting events programme. It has the potential to attract large audiences into the city, creating a superb boost for the economy and raising our profile as a visitor destination.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hull has a growing reputation for hosting amazing events including the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, Freedom, the city’s annual celebration of the arts, and Hull Fair. The city has an excellent events team that have made these events possible through their expertise and passion for enhancing the Hull experience for residents and visitors.”

Details of the exact route of the 26.2-mile race have yet to be finalised, but it will start and finish in Hull and is expected to take in the city’s landmark buildings and reach into the East Riding.

Organisers Toro CSC Events say they will consult with UK Athletics to ensure it has the backing of the governing body.

They also dismissed criticism from some in the city’s running community about their ability to organise such a demanding event - and the timing of the race, which will come a week before the Brighton Marathon and two weeks before the London Marathon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Karl Jackson, from Toro CSC Events, said: “There’s no question it will be a success. We will certainly cover our costs and be able to put money back into the community.”

Mr Jackson said getting 1,000 competitors for the first race would be “fantastic”, but thought up to 2,500 runners might want to take part, with the field growing as the race becomes more established.

There will be a 5k race for teenagers and small routes for children, which will be sponsored by npower.

The organisers are hoping to lure a mixture of local and national businesses to sponsor the main event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Business and corporate interests will be served by an “expo” held in Queens Gardens on the day.

Interest among potential runners already looks to be strong, with 20 people registering within the first half hour of the race being announced yesterday.

The first five entries got a 50 per cent discount on the cost of entry, and the first 250 will get a £2 discount.

Members of local athletics clubs will get a 10 per cent discount, and otherwise the cost will be £38 for UK Athletics members and £40 for unaffiliated runners.

The main purpose of the race is to raise money for charities including The Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, Help for Heroes, and The Bull Foundation.

For more details visit www.hullmarathon.com.