Great Limerick Run set to attract 14,000 participants over Riverfest weekend
DETAILS of this year's Regeneron Great Limerick Run have been confirmed with just over three months to go to the event.
Limerick-based charities are set to benefit from the 2023 event which includes a marathon, half marathon and 6-mile run.
“I’m really looking forward to the 30th of April, we’ve been told an excess of 14,000 people will be participating on the day in the Great Limerick Run and what a great boost for the City and the County,” Mayor Francis Foley said at the launch.
John Cleary, founder of the Great Limerick Run will hand over the reins as Race Director this year but he has seen first hand how economically beneficial this event is to the Treaty County.
“It has been independently assessed to be worth around €5 million for the hotels, restaurants, the taxis and so forth but for me the most important thing is the image, people come to Limerick and the repeat business they bring back, the stories they bring far and wide, the pride it gives to Limerick, I don’t know how you can put a value on that but it’s a win on many levels,” he told Limerick Live.
Limerick Suicide Watch is of one of the charities linked with the run and Ger Meehan explained how invaluable the event is. “It’s very important in a number of ways,” he commented.
Phil Deegen of Cliona's Foundation added that the Great Limerick Run is "about generating awareness among people that might need our support as well so that’s really important for us on the day, it’s a super, super day.”
Michelle Meaney of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, whose members patrol the river Shannon at night along with volunteers from Limerick Suicide Watch explained the positive effect the weekend has on the River Shannon.
“With the Great Limerick Run and Riverfest, it brings a different light to it (river) and it’s absolutely amazing,” she concluded.