Introducing the 26.2 Crew – 12 ambassadors take on their first marathon in Belfast

The 26.2 Crew are provided with a comprehensive package, with access to citywide gym membership and a calendar of monthly classes from Better (Official Gym Sponsor), bespoke marathon training programme from Runna, gait analysis from the Running Bubble Lisburn, nutrition and hydration advice and samples from Moy Park, Linwoods Health Foods, Tayto and Deep RiverRock in addition to training kit and goodies to support their journey courtesy of Cool FM, Belfast Live, NIE Networks and designated charity partner, Air Ambulance NI.

The group will also be supported on their marathon journey by experts Dr Gavin Breslin (Senior Lecturer Queen’s University Belfast, Sport & Exercise Psychologist) and Dr Mark Matthews (Lecturer Ulster University in Sport Physiotherapy).

The group will come together to meet for the first time on Wednesday 10^th January at the Running Bubble in Lisburn to undergo gait analysis and get paired up with the right On footwear. Their next meet up will be on Sunday 21^st January at Better’s Andersonstown Leisure Centre where the group will enjoy a strength and conditioning class.

So, who are the 12 ambassadors taking on one of the toughest challenges sport has to offer?

• Curtis McCosh (Cool FM ambassador) from Newtownards
• Samantha McGrath (Moy Park ambassador) from Mallusk
• Jessica Hanna (Better ambassador) from Kilkeel
• Anthony Kavanagh (Better ambassador) from Belfast
• Monica Kelly (Air Ambulance NI ambassador) from Moy
• Anna McLaughlin (Deep RiverRock ambassador) from Ballymena
• Niamh Creighton (Deep RiverRock ambassador) from Dublin
• Sam McDowell (NIE Networks ambassador) from Antrim
• Orlaith Clinton (Belfast Live ambassador) from Downpatrick
• Jordan Jamison from Belfast
• Karen Warnock from North Down
• Matt Garrett from Belfast

The ambassadors, alongside participants, are encouraged to run for Air Ambulance NI and play their part in helping critically ill patients at the scene of an incident. Every contribution will help to save a life, brain or limb. The aircraft can fly to any location in approximately 25 minutes. Once at scene, the medics can provide critical interventions that can be the difference between life and death. This is a service that is there for every one of us, 365 days of the year, with your continued support. #OthersLiveWhenYouGive.

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon hope that you will follow the 26.2 Crew over the coming months and help motivate and cheer them on. Perhaps it might inspire YOU to take on your first ever marathon or fitness challenge – after all, there is an event to suit all levels of fitness on Sunday 5^th May, including a Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk.

To secure your spot now and enjoy the early bird rate before it ends midnight 31^st January, visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com. Stay in touch via Facebook / @MarathonBelfast Twitter / @marathonbcm Instagram / @belfastcitymarathon

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon is sponsored by Moy Park, Northern Ireland Electricity Newtworks, Belfast Live, Daily Mirror, Cool FM, Downtown, Downtown Country, Translink, Better, Tayto, Belfast City Council, Deep RiverRock, Athletics NI, Charles Hurst, and Linwoods Health Foods. The official charity partner is Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.