Popular 'Marty's Run' event back this weekend

The always-popular ‘Marty’s Run’ is back this Sunday with big numbers again expected to turn out for what has become a significant event locally in recent years.

Held in honour of local athlete Marty Gallagher, the event began strongly 13 years ago and has maintained its popularity with hundreds of people, of all ages, showing out in support of the Gallagher family.

“Although this is the 13th run, it’s actually the 16th run we’ve done overall in memory of Martin,” dad Martin explained. “The first run was done by Derry City Council from Brooke Park up around Sherriff’s Mountain, and the year after Martin was killed, we went to the London Marathon. Then, on his 10th anniversary we went down to Dublin for the marathon, so in terms of Marty’s Run as we call it, it’s the 13th time.”

Large numbers are almost expected at this stage and even though the course may have changed over the years, the enthusiasm for the event has remained the same.

“We could have anything from about 600 to a thousand, be it with walkers and runners,” Martin revealed. “For us, it’s a family day out too because people go out with their prams, making it a family event. The money always goes to local charities in the town; this year we are supporting Spina Bifida, as well as Oxford Bulls, and we are also hoping to support the Church’s Trust. The money from the race stays in Derry. Last year we supported the Foyle Hospice and MacMillan Cancer and we hope to support local charities again.”

The time has come around very quickly again, but the appeal of ‘Marty’s Run’ never fades, with participants even able to bring their kids along; it’s a are part of the appeal for local families.  

“It’s up to yourself, you can walk or run, whatever you prefer,” Martin continued. “It’s a great day out, and all the water and bars of chocolate are sponsored by businesses in the town, so it’s a very local event. The first year we just had a normal white t-shirt and we ordered 300, but we ended up ordering another 700. It’s the same people come back every year. I like to see the youngsters there as well, because today’s youngsters are tomorrow’s adults and it’s somewhere to start. It's always so well supported and we would like to thank the people of Derry for turning out again.”

Those interested in participating can still register online at Foyle Valley Athletic Club’s website or on the day itself. The run is at 10:30 and the registration is from 9am-10am.