AIrtricity pumps new energy into dublin marathon 2013

There was big news this week for the organisers of the Dublin Marathon with the announcement that Airtricity – Ireland's greenest and second-largest energy provider – has come on board as title sponsor for this year's event.

The announcement was made by Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney and Airtricity managing director Stephen Wheeler as well as Irish Independent fitness columnist and TV personality Karl Henry.

"Airtricity shares our vision and aims for the further growth of the marathon. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with them," said Aughney.

Wheeler, who ran the Dublin Marathon in 2011, said: "I'm delighted that Airtricity is the new energy behind this well-loved Dublin and national sporting event."

Full details of this event are available at www.dublinmarathon.ie

PARKRUNS STILL ATTRACTING BIG ENTRIES ACROSS THE CAPITAL

The Saturday morning parkruns over 5k continue to attract a big number of entries in the Dublin area, where events now take place at three venues.

Last weekend, Paul O'Callaghan led the field home in Marlay Park in 16.52. Gerard Martin was top runner in Malahide, finishing in 17.28. Meanwhile, Gearoid O'Connor won the Lucan parkrun in 18.22.

These Saturday runs start at 9.30am. For more information visit www.parkrun.ie

COONEY CLAN JOIN RUNNERS IN DUNSHAUGHLIN FOR DAY OUT

Seán Cooney has been involved in Meath athletics for more than 30 years, and at 73, he still has a good turn of pace, as he showed in the Michael Manning Memorial 10k in Dunshaughlin, going around in 46.55. Seán was joined at the event by his daughter, Lisa O'Dowd, and his grandson, Cormac O'Dowd (14). Lisa O'Dowd with her son Cormac and her father Seán Cooney. Des O'Neill

MARATHON MANIA GETS UNDER WAY FOR WICKLOW HOSPICE

Plans are now fully in place for the Wicklow Hospice Seven-Day Marathon Challenge, a fundraising promotion that kicks off at 7.07am on Sunday, July 7.

The first and last marathon will take place in Bray, while marathons two to six will take place at Avondale House and Forest Park.

For information visit wicklowhospice.ie or email sevendaymarathonchallenge@gmail.com