Half marathons: Derry council could reconsider race changes

The Waterside Half Marathon will alternate with the Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon yearly from 2024

Changing a half marathon in Londonderry from being run every year to every other year may be reconsidered.

Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) announced in September that the Waterside Half Marathon was to alternate each year with the Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon.

The council said the move was needed to save money.

The Strabane-Lifford race was due to take place in 2024, with the Waterside event returning in 2025.

The council's annual budget for the two half marathons had decreased by £26,000 and without that required funding the events would need to alternate, councillors had been told.

Race organisers had criticised the decision to alternate the races and raised concerns that runner numbers could drop as a result.

At a meeting of the council's business and culture committee on Tuesday, members heard proposals were now in place that could allow both events to take place in 2024.

The council budget for half marathons had decreased by £26,000

Head of culture at the council Aeidin McCarter said increased participant numbers and securing sponsors could make it possible to hold both races.

"Every effort will be made to increase participant numbers and if registrations could open as early as November 2023 it would allow this to be monitored closely in advance of the rates process," she said.

"Officers are also talking to possible race sponsors for the 2024 events and are aiming to bring in additional revenue this thereby helping to reduce the risk."

• The half marathon balloon runners setting the pace

It was also proposed that the registration fee be increased from £25 per person to £27 per person plus a booking fee.

Additionally, a proposal that the Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon added a relay race to help provide an additional revenue stream would also be considered.

Sinn Féin councillor Grace Nelis said she was delighted to back the proposal and said having both race events would be great for people's physical and mental health.

Independent councillor Paul Gallagher said the council was "not a million miles away" in terms of financing both races and everything should be done to ensure both went ahead.