With just two weeks until the 2016 Donegal Marathon, the committee is calling on the public to assist with volunteering roles for the annual event.
One of the biggest sporting events on the calendar, the Donegal Marathon depends upon a network of volunteers to donate their time to play a major role in making the event a success.
Run in conjunction with the Donegal Volunteer Centre, the Donegal Marathon will host a ‘Volunteer Evening’ at 7pm on Thursday, 11th August in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny.
Encouraging people across the county to get involved, Chairperson of the Donegal Marathon, Dessie Larkin, said: “Sporting events like the Donegal Marathon don’t happen without the support of volunteers. Volunteers ensure the safety of runners and walkers and they’re also a crucial element of the planning and smooth running of the event. They also play a major role in cheering on participants and we’re asking as many people as possible to get out and lend a hand on Sunday, 21st August.
“The ‘Volunteer Evening’ is the ideal opportunity for people to learn about what roles are available and what they can do to help. We’re hoping to see a great turnout and if anyone can’t make it on the night, get in touch with a member of the Donegal Marathon committee or the Donegal Volunteer Centre.”
Adding to this, John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: “We’re very lucky to have an event like the Donegal Marathon on our door step and it’s a great opportunity for local businesses and clubs to get behind the Marathon and offer their support in terms of volunteers. There are various roles available to suit people of all ages and we’ll try our best to facilitate people to find a role that would suit them.”
Meanwhile, Optum, a UnitedHealth Group company, is an avid supporter of the Donegal Marathon having sponsored t-shirts for event for two consecutive years as well as providing volunteers for the event.
Veronica Patton, Senior Human Capital Specialist believes that the Donegal Marathon is the perfect fit for the Letterkenny business: “Partnering with the Donegal Marathon is a natural fit for us. Our mission is ‘to help people live healthier lives’, and the Donegal Marathon actively promotes getting active, keeping fit and living longer, healthier lives. We’re delighted to be supporting the Donegal Marathon and we’re equally delighted that our workforce has the opportunity to give something back to the community.”
Volunteering is open to people of all ages and there are a number of roles available including; on-site stewarding, provision of support to athletes at various water stations, assisting with registrations and preparation of the event and course. All volunteers will receive a volunteer pack and will also be provided with lunch on the day.
Those interested in finding out more about volunteering roles for this year’s Donegal Marathon are welcome to attend the Volunteer Evening on Thursday, 11th August at 7pm and for more information visit the Donegal Marathon website or contact John Curran on 074 91 26740 or visit www.volunteerdonegal.ie.
By bringing communities together through a community tourism initiative for the diaspora this event is supported in partnership with Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland and IPB Insurance.
