RIGHT: The route map for the 2019 AON Mullingar Half Marathon, which takes place on St Patrick's Day.

Final countdown to AON Mullingar Half Marathon

Have you registered for the AON Mullingar Half Marathon on St Patrick’s Day? The event has bee named as one of 21 best road running races in Ireland in 2019 by Outsider Magazine, and registrations are filling up fast. Numbers are up on this time last year, and the 2019 marathon is going to be the biggest one yet.

With the race now just days away, the committee are working on the final details.

Race number collection is available from the AON Half Marathon HQ on Pearse Street on the evening of Saturday March 16 and on the morning of the race. the race start time is 10.30am on Pearse Street.

Registration will also be available on the morning of the race. For times keep an eye on the Half Marathon Facebook page and website.

Race Director, Jason Scarff said: “We hope the training is going well for all participants and we look forward to seeing you on the day.

“We urge everyone to come out and support runners along the route and coming across the finish line in Mullingar Town Park.”

Jason said there will have three water stations on the route as well as in the town park.

In a bid to reduce single-use plastics, the organisers are introducing a sustainable water station in the park, which will include water on tap and compostable cups, or runners can fill their own water bottles.

“We hope to build on this over the years and all water stations will be plastic free,” said Jason.

“We again would like to thank our title sponsor AON for all their support and assistance in race preparations. We are delighted to welcome back O’Briens Renault as official car partner and we welcome O’Briens Centra as our hydration partner for 2019.

“With local business support growing, we thank all our sponsors, of all whom can be seen on the Mullingar Half Marathon website.”

Nuala-Anne Curley, AON Half Marathon Committee, added: “A big thanks to all our sponsors and supporters, including Westmeath County Council – without them this race wouldn’t be what it is – and all proceeds go to TEAM.

“The support of local businesses is so important and a great opportunity to promote your business to 1,600 runners and their supporters visiting Mullingar on St Patrick’s Day.”

Anyone looking for sponsorship information should contact mkthalfmarathon@gmail.com.

Registration remains open and the committee urge everyone to sign up and support the AON Mullingar Half Marathon and remember all proceeds go to local charity TEAM.

“Visitors, we encourage you to stay around Mullingar and enjoy everything we have to offer from local attractions, activities, food and entertainment venues.”

Race HQ on Pearse Street (from left) Richard Toal, AON; Murty Hanley, race committee; and Jason Scarff, race director.