Sonia passes on tips to Banbridge runners

OLYMPIC legend Sonia O'Sullivan was in Belfast this week to offer training tips to some of those running the Belfast City Marathon in aid of the Concern Worldwide.

Emma Mitchell and Heather Martin of the Banbridge Athletic Club was among those who attended the event and met the celebrated marathon runner and received coaching on how to make the most of his run.

The Deep Riverrock Belfast City Marathon takes place on Monday May 3, with some 20,000 people taking part in either the full 26.2 mile race, the relay event, the fun run or walk. Concern Worldwide and Marie Curie cancer care are this year’s designated charities, set to benefit from sponsorship raised by runners.

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“I’ve seen Concern’s work first hand in Ethiopia so I was delighted to be able to support their involvement with the Belfast Marathon. Taking part in a marathon, a relay, walk or fun run is an incredible experience, especially when the money raised is being put to such incredible, life saving use” said Sonia O’Sullivan

While in the country for the Great Ethiopian Run, Sonia met with staff and beneficiaries of Concern supported project WISE (Women in Self Employment) project. Located in the capital Addis Ababa, WISE provides training and micro-finance to poor women living in urban areas, helping them to start their own businesses and develop sustainable livelihoods in order to support themselves and their families.

“Concern is very proud to be an official charity of the Marathon this year, and very grateful to those who are running and fundraising on our Belfast. The money raised will be used in our Mother and Child health programmes.... There’s still some time to register to take part in the event, or to donate directly to Concern,” said Karen Gallagher from Concern Worldwide

Concern works in 28 of the poorest countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. As well as providing humanitarian support after disasters like the Haiti earthquake, Concern delivers long term projects to help bring some of the things we take for granted – like food, clean water, basic education and an income – within reach of millions of poor people.