The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon
has
launched the 2016 Youth Challenge – an initiative aimed at promoting participation among young people aged between 16 and 18 years old. The Youth Challenge will take place on marathon day, Monday 6 June 2016 and is an opportunity for young people to engage in an activity that is fun and challenging while promoting fitness, activity, participation and positive mental health.
“The Cork Youth Challenge provides an ideal and unique opportunity to encourage and support young people in schools and clubs get fit and active. The Youth Challenge will not only further cultivate their interest in long-distance running, but also give them the opportunity to demonstrate the marathon spirit together with other athletes,” said Jim O’Donovan, Race Director, Cork City Marathon.
Youth teams of 5 will complete the marathon course as a relay, taking a stage each and completing a maximum of 5.8 miles. Training for this non-competitive relay can take just 13 weeks, but early sign-up of teams is vital.
“The Youth Challenge is becoming a very popular aspect of the marathon. It is not a race, it is not competitive but it does give our young people a chance to take part in this sporting event, and experience the support of spectators along the course,” he added.
The Cork Youth Challenge is supported by Cork City Council, Cork Education and Training Board, Cork Sports Partnership and LeisureWorld.
Commenting on behalf of the headline sponsor of the marathon, Karen O’Donoghue, Marketing Manager with the Irish Examiner said: “Over the years, many young running enthusiasts have participated in the Youth Challenge – a challenging and rewarding sporting achievement. The Irish Examiner continues to encourage the growth and development of the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon so we would encourage youths in schools and clubs across Ireland to get involved this year.”
Entry forms and full details on the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon 2016 are available online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie.