Runners Get Marathon Lesson from Experts
4 April 2011

Ireland's greatest athlete Sonia O'Sullivan gave Cork runners a unique opportunity yesterday to train with her for the upcoming Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon. Over 50 runners of all levels and abilities were put through their paces at the session which took place at CIT. Sonia herself will be running the marathon for the first time this year as she aims to raise money for the Children's Leukaemia Association at the Mercy University Hospital.

A more restful session followed the training with three of Ireland's top sports preparation experts giving their expert advice and tips for running along with some words of advice and encouragement from Sonia herself. Sports psychologist Canice Kennedy, Fitsquad Managing Director Kate Ryan and chartered physiotherapist Declan O'Sullivan told the runners that preparing for the June 6 marathon is all about conditioning the mind and body.

Speaking about the upcoming race on 6 June, Sonia O'Sullivan said "Running is such a great sport to keep you in top physical and mental health so I am delighted to see so many enthusiasts turn out here today to help prepare themselves for the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon. We have so many different levels here from first time runners right through to experienced long-time athletes and I think everyone has learnt something new to help them in their training".

Seminar organiser, Ger Cunningham of title sponsors Bord Gáis Energy said: "We had such an excellent response to the seminar that we ran last year ahead of the marathon that we decided to offer it again for Cork runners but this time we gave them a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with one of Ireland"s all-time sporting greats, Sonia O'Sullivan. We want to ensure that people are as ready as they can be for the mammoth challenge that they will face on 6 June and I think that today has given participants lots of motivation and encouragement for the big day."

The Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday June 6th next when over 10,000 athletes are expected to take part between the individual, half marathon and relay events. The marathon expects to raise over €3 million for charity and is now in its fifth year.

To enter the full marathon, half marathon or the relay just log on to www.corkcitymarathon.ie.