New marathon sponsor expected

A new sponsor for the Dublin Marathon is expected to be named shortly, it was confirmed today.

Former sponsors Lifestyle Sports and Adidas ended their association with the event last year. Adidas had been the marathon's official apparel sponsor for ten years, while Lifestyle Sports had been title sponsor for three years.

While Asics stepped in to replace Adidas, a title sponsor has yet to be confirmed for Lifestyle Sports.

"We have had very positive conversations with a number of interested parties, and are confident that we will have a new partner on board in the coming months who will help us achieve our vision for Dublin," said race director Jim Aughney.

Mr Aughney was speaking following the launch of The Lord Mayor's Medal, a new initiative which recognises the extraordinary odds some individuals have to overcome to take part in the Dublin Marathon.

The inaugural winner of the award is Martin Codyre (35), a quadriplegic who took part in the 2009 marathon with the aid of his brother Brian and friend Conor Galvin.

Mr Codryre, from Bray, Co Wicklow, was left paralysed from the chest down following a freak accident just a year prior to entering the marathon.

He crossed the finish line in 4 hours 48 minutes and has since gone on to achieve a world record by becoming the first complete quadriplegic to complete a 1.9km swim, a 90km alpine bike ride and a half marathon in within 8 hours at the Swiss Ironman triathlon.

Mr Codryre said taking part in the Dublin marathon had proven to be a watershed moment for him in his recovery from his accident.

"Doing a marathon is special because it's such a group event and there is such camaraderie among people. It makes you feel you are part of something big," he said.

I never thought I'd be able to do something like a marathon, particularly after my accident. It was amazing to have succeeded and I think that the support shown by people in Dublin makes it something special," he added.

Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Gerry Breen called on businesses in Ireland to put their full support behind the annual event, which last year brought in excess of €10 million to the capital.

A record 13,500 people from over 40 nations took part in the 2010 marathon and Mr Breen said he believed it could become an even bigger event in the coming years.

"The marathon is now running for 32 years and it has become increasingly popular with both locals and visitors. The city should be clever about marketing it so that we can increase it's value to Dublin," he said.

"Marathons are used by capital cities across the world to showcase their city and drive tourism revenue. I think that now, more than ever, there is a real need for us to use this event to showcase the best of our city and our country to the world," he added.