Event hits jackpot with new sponsor

ATHLETICS 2011 DUBLIN MARATHON:TAKEN IN running parlance alone, the announcement of the National Lottery as the new title sponsor of the Dublin Marathon seems a perfect fit – not just because the open invitation to participate next October means of course it could be you.

The chances of actually completing the 26.2 miles is also something of a lottery; those running obviously hope their numbers come up, as in desired finishing time – and indeed if you’re not in, you can’t win.

More significantly, the new three-year deal with the National Lottery not only secures the future of the event, but ensures its further growth – with the return of live television coverage on RTÉ 2 part of the new sponsorship deal.

As well as sponsoring the main event itself on the traditional Bank Holiday Monday, which this year falls on October 31st, the National Lottery will also support the three countdown races – or Races Series – in the Phoenix Park in the preceding three months, which have proven hugely successful in increasing overall race entrants.

No wonder Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney sounded like a man who had, yes, won the lottery: “I do feel a bit like Postman Pat,” he said. “We’re delighted to have the National Lottery on board as our new title sponsor.

“They share our vision and aims for the growth of the Dublin Marathon, and it’s a huge endorsement of what we have achieved to date, and strong support for our development plans, to have such a sponsor involved.”

It’s been 20 years since the Dublin Marathon went out live on television, and RTÉ’s decision to broadcast the 2011 race – and also stream it live worldwide on RTÉ.ie, with an additional highlights package broadcast later that week – can only add further appeal to the event.

“The National Lottery support has been instrumental in bringing live coverage back,” added Aughney. “We are greatly appreciative of RTÉ’s commitment to Dublin and the ability this now gives us to showcase the Dublin Marathon to a wider audience, and really give us the best bang for our buck.”

The National Lottery chief executive Dermot Griffin promised the sponsorship would further raise the profile of the event: “We’re hoping to bring a little bit of magic to this event. For a start, we are delighted that our involvement will make it possible for everyone to watch the race live on RTÉ.

“We are also pleased to help promote this unique sporting event to as many people as possible in the coming months through the associated Race Series.”

Last year’s race attracted a record entry of just over 13,500, with another 20,000 taking part in the three Race Series. The marathon is worth an estimated €10 million to the city economy, with a similar sum raised each year for various charities. This year’s race will also double once again as the National Marathon Championships.

The 2010 race – which concluded the deal with previous title sponsors Adidas and Lifestyle Sports – also produced two course records: Kenyan Moses Kibet improved the men’s record to 2:08.58, while Tatiana Aryasova of Russia improved the women’s record to 2.26.13.

For information and to register see www.dublinmarathon.ie.