Springwell get Council support to host NI Half Marathon

During a recent Leisure and Amenities Committee meeting, members heard that the application would also make provision for temporary facilities within a reasonable distance of the start/finish by allocating a budget of £5,000 in 2013/14.

The report explained: ‘Springwell Running Club has written to the Mayor indicating that following the success of the recent KK McArthur Festival of Running, the organising committee has decided to apply to host the Northern Ireland Half Marathon Championships as part of the 2013 festival and making reference to certain facilities being provided within reasonable distance of the start/finish.

‘It is recommended that the Committee consider the correspondence.’

The Director reminded members that presently it was difficult to say at what stage the Council’s proposals for the development of the Dervock Recreation Grounds would be at when the race contemplated was to be held in 2013 and as such it would be prudent to make financial provision for temporary facilities of the type sought [toilets and showers] and that were the budget of £5,000 allocated this year to be retained for 2013/14 the organizing committee could then be advised as to the maximum funding available.

It was proposed by Alderman Bill Kennedy, seconded by Cllr Ian Stevenson and agreed that Council agree, in principle, to support Springwell Running Club with their application to host the Northern Ireland Half Marathon Championships and make provision for temporary facilities within a reasonable distance of the start/finish by allocating a budget of £5,000 in 2013/14.