This Sunday heralds the start of the 2023 11th Annual Waterford Viking Marathon.
Runners, joggers, and walkers from Waterford, Ireland, and all across the world will take to the streets of the Deise on Sunday morning for what promises to be the biggest and best marathon yet.
For this event, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will be the marathon's Charity Partner, while the main sponsorship comes courtesy of Bausch & Lomb.
The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is Ireland's national charity providing Guide Dogs to those who are vision impaired and Assistance Dogs to the families of children with autism.
Runners will begin their full, half, and quarter marathon at 9 am on June 25th from The Mall in Waterford City Centre, before they travel along Waterford’s two iconic bridges and the stunning Waterford Greenway.
Walkers and wheelchair users will commence from The Mall at 8.30 am.
Race Director, Joe Cawley, says they cannot wait for the big day to arrive.
"It's looking good - the numbers are good, the weather is good at the moment, the long-range forecast is seeming to show that it won't be too warm and hopefully, we'll have a fantastic event."
Committee member, Sinead Brannigan, says the excitement is building and all roads lead to Sunday.
"It's a year-long effort to get to that one day on Sunday. It's after being very well put together and well planned, nothing is going to be missed come Sunday. Paula O'Gorman who has been managing the event, and Joe who is the Race Director have really made sure that all those who are taking part on Sunday will have a fun and enjoyable family-friendly experience."
Sinead says that the journey from the very first Viking Marathon to now has been an enjoyable 11 years.
"I think we can all remember the first one, I was actually a participant myself", she recalled. "It's really evolved over time to what it is now. There are so many different people that have taken part over the years and there's also so many people who have managed to do all 11."
Live bands and DJs will keep both runners and spectators entertained along the route and we are delighted that several of the Guide Dogs for the Blind will be with their trainers and take part in the quarter marathon.
The finish line again this year is in Grattan Quay and promises to be great fun for all the family.
