First marathon for father of three from Portglenone
30 January 2023
Mark McAuley from Portglenone is taking on his first ever marathon for local charity Air Ambulance NI in this years’ Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon, 30th April 2023.
Mark said, “This charity helps deliver such an amazing service to Northern Ireland, with their speed and response times that can make a difference between life and death. I was up at the airbase recently and learnt a lot about how it operates. Having heard about how often they are called out across the country it’s so important to support this service in any way we can.
I am taking on my first marathon because it is something I have always wanted to try but have never committed too, as well as setting myself a challenge to help show my three daughters what can be achieved if you set a goal and work towards it. Now that’s I have signed up and its official I’m looking forward to the day. I hope to raise as much as possible and a massive thanks to anyone who donates, every little counts. I hope to finish in under 4 hours. So far the training is going great (helps that the ice and snow has passed) and I’m excited for race day.
Air Ambulance NI is the sole charity partner for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Kerry Anderson from the charity explains more, “This is one of the biggest sporting events for 2023 but we realise a full marathon distance isn’t for everyone. You don’t need to take on 26.2 miles to be part of this wonderful event. There is the 8-Mile Walk and Team Relay which has distances from 4.2miles to about 7miles. So don the trainers and sign up now at www.belfastcitymarathon.com or if that isn’t for you please join our cheerstations on the day!”
Kerry Anderson, added, “When you register online you’ll be asked if you’d like to support Air Ambulance NI. Please tick the box and we will be in touch with your digital fundraising pack and invite to the airbase. Funds raised will help people in your community for whom the worst has happened. Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day.”
You can register now for the 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay, Half Marathon and Full Marathon at https://belfastcitymarathon.com/
Further information is also available from Air Ambulance NI www.airambulanceni.org/upcoming-events/belfast-city-marathon/, by calling the charity on 028 9262 2677 or emailing belfastmarathon@airambulanceni.org
