Local woman isn’t ‘sweating it’ with sights on making history at Moy Park Belfast City Marathon supporting local cancer charity
While thousands of athletes across the country and beyond will be excitedly preparing ahead of the iconic Moy Park Belfast City Marathon on Sunday 4th of May, one runner will cross the finish line having achieved something phenomenal. Elaine McAnulty will be celebrating her 400th marathon this coming Sunday, an accomplishment no other woman in Northern Ireland has achieved, all while raising funds for local cancer charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
From Belfast to the Bahamas, Elaine has travelled the world competing in marathons and with such a major milestone only a few days away, Elaine isn’t sweating the titles or milestones, she said: “All I am thinking about is getting out there and having fun. The Belfast City Marathon can be just as enjoyable as the New York marathon, it’s all about the atmosphere and making your family proud. We like to have fun and dress up for Belfast, so if you see any Mickey or Minnie Mouse’s on the course, be sure to give us a cheer.”
She continued: “I have been proud to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI over the past number of years and I am always delighted to see everyone at the charity’s cheering station, spurring me on as I make my way around the route. The achievement of completing my 400th marathon will be made sweeter knowing I have made a difference to local people on their cancer journey. I would encourage any runner who was thinking about supporting a charity to give it a go, it’s still not too late and it can make crossing that finish line all the more meaningful.”
Speaking about Elaine’s phenomenal achievement, James Barbour, Events Manager at Cancer Focus NI said: “Elaine has been a longtime supporter of Cancer Focus NI taking part in our toughest events, always with a smile on her face. We are in awe of everything she has accomplished, and we can’t thank her enough for using this once in a lifetime achievement to raise vital funds for our charity. We will be cheering you on from start to finish. The stark reality is that 1 in 2 people in Northern Ireland will receive a cancer diagnosis, and support from local people like Elaine, helps us to continue offering essential support services like counselling and family support to local people in need.”
Ahead of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon, Elaine offers advice to first time participants in the event who are battling their nerves. She said: “It’s so important to enjoy the experience and not to put too much pressure on yourself about timings and sticking to a specific plan. Anything can happen on the day; the most important things is to have fun. The atmosphere is electric and the support from the local community across Belfast is unbelievable, it really helps get you across the finish line.”
She concluded with a final piece of advice: “Don’t forget to protect your skin on the day. I don’t go to any race without my factor 50.”
If you are taking part in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and you would like to run for Cancer Focus NI, please get in touch with the charity’s events team at events@cancerfocusni.org or call 028 9066 3281
For cancer concerns, call the free Cancer Focus NI Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339 (Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm), email nurseline@cancerfocusni.org, or visit www.cancerfocusni.org/support to learn about available support services.
