Waterford...Press release for the Dungarvan 10 mile road race (Feb 09)

"Pictured at the launch at Dungarvan Sports Centre of the 18th Annual "Quantum Life" Dungarvan 10 mile road race hosted by West Waterford Athletic Club the race takes place on Sunday February 1st at 1 PM and entries are now open at www.westwaterfortdathletics.org

l-r Ann Dunford West Waterford Athletic Club,Tony Ryan West Waterford Athletic Club Chairman,Cllr Billy Kyne Dungarvan deputy mayor,Mel Shanley Quantum Life Ireland race sponsors,Gerry Cantwell West Waterford Athletic Club road racing coordinator.

Build-Up Begins For 18th Annual Quantum Life Dungarvan 10.
West Waterford Athletic Club is encouraging athletes fun runners alike to start their build up for the 18th Annual Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race. The Race, formerly known as Dunphy Vivas Health Dungarvan 10, has become an annual fixture in Ireland’s athletics calendar attracting elite and club competitors as well as local participants ranging from beginners to experienced runners.The Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 will take place on Sunday 1st February 2009, beginning at 1.00pm.The race headquarters has now moved from the traditional Dungarvan Crystal sports centre to the town’s community Sports Centre located at Quanns, which gives the race much need extra space as the numbers have increased significantly over recent years. The initial race had in the region of 70 athletes, last year’s race witnessed a record entry of over 700 and this year it is expected to exceed well beyond 1,000 runners.

The 2009 race was launched in the presence of Mr. Mel Shanley Quantum Life Ireland and Mr Billy Kyne, Dungarvan Deputy town mayor along with members of the race committee from the host club, West Waterford A.C.The key sponsors of the race are Quantum Life and for the first time this year, Dungarvan Town Council are welcome associate sponsors which the race committee and main sponsor are delighted with. Teas, sandwiches, showers and changing facilities plus the presentation of prizes will all take place at Dungarvan Sports Centre. Mr Mel Shanley of Quantum Life spoke at the launch saying that Quantum Life are delighted to be sponsoring the Dungarvan 10 where participants will have the opportunity to run in one of the best organised 10 mile road races in the country with all levels of runners catered for as is the West Waterford Athletic Club’s policy.

The 2008 event brought together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who competed over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan. Mr Shanley who heads up Quantum Life in Ireland spoke of his companies business strategy which is based on the following philosophy: We believe in focusing on our core competence of using actuarial techniques to deliver innovative and customised life assurance products for selected distribution partners. We deliberately outsource everything else. Quantum Life only undertakes bespoke product assignments. We do not develop products for general distribution. We will only develop a product idea when we have a committed source of distribution. It is this approach that allows us to customise each product to the specific requirements of each target group of our distribution partner. Quantum Life has an enviable record for bringing innovative product ideas to the market. We believe that innovation is the lifeblood of our business.
The race on February 1st has a new starting line at the Youghal Road, the very flat and fast course remains relatively unchanged from previous years with just the start and finish in new locations. There will be a total prize fund of €3000. The first man and woman will receive €400 each with an additional €250 bonus for breaking the course record. Cash will be on offer to all category winners and everyone who takes part in the event receives a long sleeved running shirt and a substantial goodie bag as well as of course the personal satisfaction of completing the event.

Last year’s event attracted a top class field and was won by Sergiu Turea of Clonliffe Harriers who finished the race in 50.18. North Belfast harriers Mary Margaret Meade 58.59 was the first female finisher.

The entry fee to this prestigious race is €15. Entry forms can be obtained from the West Waterford club website by logging onto www.westwaterfordathletics.org or alternatively you can register online via the same website. While participants are encouraged if at all possible to enter early, entries will also be taken on the day at a charge of €20. The closing date for online and postal entries will be Friday January 23rd. All race numbers and race chip will be posted out. Entries on race day will close at 12.15 p.m. sharp.

With the recent surge of interest in running for health, fun and fitness in the county presently, a big turn-out on the day is guaranteed. With the success of West Waterford’s 'Fit4Life' running leagues and groups along with the country’s longest running winter league which aims to introduce newcomers to the sport and to the fun of running, the race organisers are particularly keen to see as many of these Fit4Life group members as possible take part in the race on Sunday February 1st.Along with all the above and the elite field expected, it should be a really great day for athletics in our town and there will definitely be a place in this race for everyone.We're really looking forward to seeing runners of all standards and our promise is that everyone will be made welcome. "See you Déise side on Feb 1st.”