ICC Belfast becomes new home for Moy Park Belfast City Marathon
ICC Belfast becomes new home for Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Expo & Pack Collection
The 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon AND Half Marathon were officially launched at ICC Belfast yesterday evening (Tuesday 08 October). The highly anticipated events attracted record entries in 2024 and are expected to grow again in 2025.
The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon will take place on Sunday 04 May and will feature a Marathon run and wheelchair race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk, making it Northern Ireland’s largest mass sport participatory event. The Marathon remains to be the first and only in Ireland to join the World Athletics Label Road Race Series, serving as an endorsement of the events quality and standing.
The Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon, Northern Ireland’s biggest half marathon event, will return on Sunday 21 September. The 13.1 mile route, which is also part of the World Athletics Label Road Race Series, has proved popular, attracting seasoned pros and first-timers alike.
The launch event served as a platform to announce ICC Belfast, Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built international convention centre, as the new home for the event’s Expo and Pack Collection. Participants must attend the Expo & Pack Collection to pick up their all-important race pack – this is where the race experience will truly begin!
Ross Moffett, Sales Director of ICC Belfast commented:
“We are delighted to announce ICC Belfast as the new exhibition hub for the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, a landmark event that epitomises the spirit of endurance and community in Northern Ireland. Being part of the event journey is an honour, and we are committed to enhancing the experience for the thousands of participants."
At ICC Belfast, we aim to go above and beyond, creating exceptional experiences that will elevate the Marathon and Half Marathon. We are excited to work with the Belfast City Marathon team to deliver these world-class events.
The venue is in a prime location for participants using public transport, just a short 5-minute walk from Lanyon Place Train Station and 20-minute walk from the new Grand Central Station. Add to that, there is a Glider stop right outside the venue. There are lots of places to park in Belfast City Centre and around ICC Belfast, but organisers are encouraging participants to choose the environmentally friendly option where possible.
Moy Park return as the headline sponsor for the prestigious annual events. Moy Park one of Ireland’s best known local chicken brands is proudly built on 80 years of local heritage, passion, and expertise, bringing the finest quality chicken and meal solutions to the table. Moy Park offer a range of tasty and convenient poultry products supplying leading retailers, independents and convenience stores across the island of Ireland and Great Britain.
Ellen Wright, Senior Brand Manager, Moy Park commented:
‘‘Last year was our first year becoming title sponsor of Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon. Following the huge success of last year’s events, we are thrilled to sponsor Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon again this year."
"The atmosphere and buzz on the streets of Belfast and finish line was amazing! It was wonderful to see people travelling from across the globe take to part in the marathon and half marathon."
As a brand celebrating 80 years of heritage and feeding generations, we are proud to continue to support one of Northern Ireland’s iconic sporting events.
"It’s all about encouraging communities to come together and get active while promoting a protein-rich and balanced diet with the help of Moy Park chicken. It means a great deal to be able to support local events where we can make a difference and give something back to our community."
"Last year was a record year for participants and we look forward to working with the Belfast City Marathon team, sponsors and volunteers to make it an even bigger event this year.”
Event organisers are planning a number of initiatives to celebrate the events' growing success and to encourage new sign ups in 2025. NEW for 2025, all marathon runners will receive a bespoke 1/4 zip top. Half Marathon runners will have the choice upon registration to choose a 1/4 zip top or a tech t-shirt. Marathon and Half Marathon registrants will also have the chance to purchase a specific bib number – so if you’re running your 50th marathon, why not purchase bib number 50!
A deposit scheme has also been introduced for the Team Relay timing batons. Upon registration, relay teams will be given the choice to have their deposit refunded or to donate it to designated charity partner, Air Ambulance NI, following the return of their baton at the finish line on race day. The event organisers hope many will kindly donate their deposit, adding to the fundraising efforts of participants.
John Allen, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, commented:
The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon have become some of the most remarkable days not only in our sporting calendar but in the City’s calendar as it continues to attract participation not just from all corners of Northern Ireland, but from across the globe.
"From the elite runners competing for a podium position to those pushing to achieve a personal goal, the field towing the start lines will enjoy a community event that has become renowned for incredible local support."
"If you were inspired by the record participation throughout the 2024 events, this is your chance to get involved in 2025. Whatever event you choose, we would encourage you to enter as early as possible to avoid disappointment following sell outs across all events in 2024.”
Air Ambulance NI is the designated charity partner for the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, a charity that works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the region. On average, the service is needed twice daily in Northern Ireland. Your fundraising could help the service reach the next patient in need.
Breige Mulholland, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Head of Finance and Operations, commented:
Every day in Northern Ireland, two individuals have no idea what is ahead for them and that they will need the air ambulance.
"The charity brings hospital direct to patients at the scene anywhere in Northern Ireland after the worst has happened whether that is a road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, fall or sporting incident. It is only possible through fundraising of £2.5m a year and we hope that by partnering with the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon that participants donate when they register or fundraise to help save lives. Every contribution makes a difference. The aircraft can fly to any location in approximately 25 minutes. Once at scene, the medics can provide critical interventions that can be the difference between life and death. This is a service that is there for every one of us, 365 days of the year, with your continued support.
Secure your early bird entry NOW for the Marathon, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Half Marathon at www.belfastcitymarathon.com before the price goes up!
