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Media Relations
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MARATHON’S NEW ROUTE SHOULD KEEP ATHLETES GOING 33% LONGER

April 7 2002, The 22nd Belfast City Marathon sponsored by Belfast City
Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum is set to be bigger and better
than ever before, marking a new departure this year with a new route and a
new energy drink sponsor.

Ireland’s most popular sports drink, Lucozade Sport, has come on board for
the 2003 event which, for the first time will be starting from the gates of
the City Hall.

Each athlete will have the chance to stock up on extra energy before the
race begins with some Lucozade Sport and then refuel again when they
complete 33% of the course. As the popular sports drink is proven to keep
athletes going 33% longer, a third Lucozade Sport refuelling point will be
set up another 33% along the course and those who make it to the finish can
again avail of an isotonic hit to refuel aching limbs.

Steven Campbell from Lucozade Sport was delighted to announce the new
sponsorship and to endorse the new route.

“Lucozade Sport is delighted to come on board as the official energy drink
of the Belfast City Marathon. The marathon is a major event and I can
think of no better way to demonstrate our commitment to pushing the
boundaries or sports nutrition and supporting both amateur and professional
athletes than supporting those taking part at all levels of this race.

“It is a very exciting time for us to announce our involvement as it
coincides with the announcement of a new route and the biggest ever entry
for the marathon. I can also confirm that Lucozade Sport will be entering
a team for the relay and I am currently in training for that myself,”
said Steven.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Alex Maskey MLA, added: “The Belfast
City Marathon has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we are
delighted that such a well-known brand will be lending their support to the
event which will begin in spectacular fashion this year with the City Hall
as a backdrop.”

Danny O’Connor, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon Organizing Committee
said: “We are very fortunate to be able to add Lucozade Sport to our list
of sponsors for the first time this year. We are expecting to have more
than 10,000 people taking to the streets of Belfast on May 5 and I am sure
many of them will want to take advantage of some Lucozade Sport to keep
them going to the finish line.

“The change of route and in particular the new starting point reflect the
increasing popularity of this event both from the point of view of those
participating and in accommodating spectators. As always, participants
will cross the finish line at Maysfield Leisure Centre where they will each
receive their medals and gifts from our sponsors.”

At 9.30am on May Day Bank Holiday Monday (May 5 2003) participants will
start against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall. The
associated Wheelchair Marathon, Team Relay and Marathon Walk, will start at
the same time as the main event. The Fun Run, in aid of the Special
Olympics World Games Belfast Host City Programme, will start 30 minutes
later, at 10am.

Details on how to enter the 22nd Belfast City Marathon, sponsored by
Belfast City Council and the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, can be obtained
from the Marathon Office on Belfast (028) 9027 0345. Online entry also is
available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/marathon. Entrants are reminded that
entries received after April 4 are subject to a surcharge of £10 or €17,
and no entries will be accepted on the day.

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