Ireland’s largest independent water producers, Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water have announced that they will be the official water partner of the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Series 2018. The race events run from July to October and will see the family owned Irish brand provide over 900,000 litres of spring water to its thirsty runners across water stations, dotted throughout the course.
Pictured at the launch of the new sponsorship, running expert and Celtic Pure ambassador, Catherina McKiernan met with Caitriona McCahey to bring her through her Chi Running Workshop ahead of her participation in the 2018 SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Series. Hailing from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, the home of Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water, McCahey will be taking part in their year's marathon series with guidance from Irish marathon record holder and Co Cavan native Catherina McKiernan.
Chatting during the launch event Catherina commented; "I'm really excited to be working with Caitriona ahead of this year's Dublin Marathon. The marathon is a big undertaking and I'm so proud of the progress Caitriona is making already." She went on to say that; "The Chi Running Workshop will help Catriona become mindful of her position and posture to improve her running technique. With a little bit of focus and lots of relaxation she will become a much more efficient runner, with a lot less impact on her body."
Earlier this year, Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water launched their #PureMoments campaign which focuses on the importance of savouring the purest moments experienced by Irish families in everyday life. With this in mind, becoming the sponsor of one of Europe's most valued Marathon Series was a natural fit for the family owned water brand. The company, based in Co Monaghan, has invested over €15 million on expanding the company since 2012 and has become a family favourite in homes across Ireland.
CEO of Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water, Padraig McEneaney commented; "We are delighted to be part of such an important and widely attended Irish event, to support runners with their hydration during all Dublin Marathon race events". He continued to say; "We are also proud to be working with the Dublin Marathon Series organisers, along with Dublin City Council and Thornton's Recycling to ensure all bottles and compostable cups used during the events are collected and recycled responsibly."
The Dublin Marathon was founded in 1980 when 2,100 runners took part, and since then over 306,000 people have participated in the race. The marathon is now the largest marathon in Ireland and the fifth largest in Europe. There has been a record number of entries each year and over 20,000 people are registered to take part in the full marathon race this year on Sunday, 28th October, a sold-out event.
Speaking at the launch; Series race director Jim Aughney said; "We are thrilled to be working with Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water for this year's Dublin Marathon Race Series. The marathon has always been a time when family and friends come together to support each other and cheer each other on and as a family brand Celtic Pure is a perfect fit for this year's race series. Furthermore, as the race series continues its success over the last few years, we continue to commit a duty of care to our runners and the environment, enhanced by our new partnership with Celtic Pure."
The marathon is a hugely popular event in the Irish calendar and continues to grow year on year. Marathon organisers believe that this is partly down to a cultural change that is happening in Ireland today with people of all ages valuing a healthier and fitter lifestyle. The Dublin Marathon is viewed as an entire experience, those who sign up are not only completing a race but partaking in an entire experience. From beginning to end, you experience a journey of memories, friendships as well as pure and raw moments made that you will never forget.