Regeneron Great Limerick Run celebrates new decade determined to take event to another level
Up to 15,000 people are expected to register for the 2020 Regeneron Great Limerick Run, the largest amount ever to take part in the event.
The 2020 version of the single biggest mass participation event outside of Dublin was launched today (Monday) by Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr. Adam Teskey who said that everything suggests the organisers and sponsors are set to take the run to another level across the next decade.
Speaking at the launch at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Deputy Mayor Teskey said the Regeneron Great Limerick Run has become more than a race as it has brought huge numbers to Limerick from abroad and across the country.
“It has opened a lot of eyes to the new energy of this great city and its boost to the economy over the course of the May Bank Holiday Riverfest weekend is fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to the organisers of the event, for their contribution to the transformation of Limerick, for helping spread the word and bring so many people to the Mid-West.
To coincide with Limerick as European Green Leaf City for 2020, I would also like to congratulate the organisers for putting a greater emphasis on making the run more environmentally friendly. And I know that a huge amount of people have already registered and are in training for the run so best of luck to those who will be on the start line on the May Bank Holiday weekend.”
Last year’s participant numbers exceeded 13,000 thousand people for the Six Mile, Half Marathon and Full marathon. Based on the current increased level of early registrations that have taken place from those who have already availed of early bird discounted race entries over the three race distances, the event is on track to surpass last year’s total by almost 2,000 people.
A Social & Economic Impact report commissioned by Limerick City and County Council conducted by W2 Consulting, estimated the event will deliver a welcome €4.5 million boost to the local economy over the course of the May bank holiday Riverfest weekend in Limerick city. Dolans also announced at today’s launch that top artists Hudson Taylor will perform at the Big Top on the night of the 2020 Regeneron Great Limerick Run, Sunday May 3rd.
Speaking at the event, Limerick City and County Council chief executive, Dr Pat Daly, welcomed the boost the 11th run brings to the Mid-West.
“We’re often described as Ireland’s sporting capital and this event showcases just why that narrative is true,” he said.
“Limerick is now being positioned as the Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and the Council is planning a significant promotional campaign to highlight the city and county this year.
“We expect that the May Bank Holiday weekend combination of the Regeneron Great Limerick Run and Riverfest will help grow visitor numbers even more for 2020 and over the coming years, and we’re delighted to support it.”
As well as being the largest mass participatory event outside of Dublin, the Regeneron Great Limerick Run is designated as an annual ‘Tier One’ event in the Mid-West region.
Speaking at the launch of the 2020 event today, Race Director, John Cleary welcomed the continued title sponsorship of Regeneron and also confirmed that the Munster Athletics Council have again designated both the Marathon and Half Marathon as their official Munster championship races. This designation, which will entice higher numbers of competitive athletes chasing personal best race times, is a reflection on the growing status of the Regeneron Great Limerick Run as a premier running event.
“I also wish to acknowledge the huge levels of support from the people of Limerick and beyond who have demonstrated in numbers both participating and watching year on year that the Regeneron Great Limerick Run is now a firm favourite on the Irish sporting calendar,” he said.
“The public private partnership model has allowed us as race organisers to deliver a world class event to Limerick with an economic value estimated now in excess of €4.5 million, according to the latest Council’s Sport Social & Economic impact report.
“The support and commitment of our title sponsors Regeneron, together with Limerick City and County Council and other commercial and statutory sponsors, reflects the confidence that all stakeholders and partners have in the future growth potential of the event.”
In anticipation of the increased demand for places in the children’s ‘Bon Secours Hospital Children’s Run for Fun’ which takes place in the University of Limerick on Saturday May 3rd, capacity has been extended to accommodate 3,500 children which is now the largest children’s event nationally. To date the event has raised thousands for those primary schools with participating children.
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