Half Marathon Committee host Appreciation evening

The Donegal Half Marathon Committee held an appreciation evening for those who helped to make this year’s event a success.

Over 1,100 took part in the 2025 Donegal Half Marathon that was held in Letterkenny in August.

In his address, Donegal Half Marathon Committee Chairman, Myles Sweeney, spoke of the vital support and assistance the organisers received from local groups, individuals and organisations.

“I have been involved with this event since it was first held in 2014 and as you all know it was the brainchild of the late Dessie Larkin. Dessie’s vision was for more participation and participation from all sectors,” he said.

Donegal County Council helped fund the race through DFI, and Donegal Sports Partnership got involved along with the various agencies and local businesses. Twelve Donegal Half Marathons have been held since 2014.

“It has been a growing success with 1,400 people signing up this year and over 1,100 taking part on the day. We also had 50 relay teams competing. But the event couldn’t be run by the members of our committee only. On our health and safety plan there are 40 different areas that must all be covered. So, we are indebted to everybody who gets involved and help. And that is why we are here tonight – to thank you all for your contribution. It is so much valued by all the committee,” the chairman added.

“Kernan’s Retail Group came on board as the main sponsor in 2019 and they have been a huge support to the Donegal Half Marathon. They are a Donegal brand owned by a Donegal man, Anthony Kernan. We are indebted to them for all they do, and to Cathal Curran for all the work he does in the promotion of the event. I thank all the agencies, businesses, groups and volunteers who give us a dig out, year after year,” he commented.

Echoing the sentiments of the chairman, Donegal Half Marathon Ambassador, Danny McDaid, extended his thanks to everyone who had lent a hand with the staging of the 2025 Donegal Half Marathon.

“There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that very few are aware of when it comes to pulling an event of this kind together, and we are just grateful to all those people,” the double Olympian said.

“Without so many helping out, it just wouldn’t happen. We are looking forward to next year’s Donegal Half Marathon which will take place on Sunday, August 23rd. We’ve seen a big increase in the numbers this year and the crowd of 1,100 was beyond our wildest dreams. We want to push on now and aim for 2,000 entries in the future,” the ambassador added.