Record entry expected for Abbott Longford Marathon on Sunday

A record number of over 1,200 people are expected to participate in the 21st annual Abbott Longford Marathon on Sunday, August 25.

Five races of varying distance will take place across the county, all starting from Longford town.

This year’s races are:

• Abbott Streets of Longford 5k
• Abbott Half Marathon (21k)
• Abbott Full Marathon (42.25K)
• Abbott Ultra Marathon (63.42K)
• Abbott Marathon Relay (4 to take part in the relay consisting of 3 X 11k runs plus 1 X 8k Run)

Abbott, the global healthcare company, is sponsoring the Marathon for the sixth consecutive year.

The Abbott Longford Marathon supports the local community, with funds raised for St Christopher’s Services; a community-based service for people with intellectual disabilities.

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Approximately 40 Abbott employees will also be volunteering before, during and after the races, helping to create a fun packed and friendly day for participants and spectators.

Fiona Fenelon, Public relations officer of the Abbott Longford Marathon said, “We are looking forward to having our greatest ever participation in the Abbott Longford Marathon and encourage all budding runners to sign up for the distance that best suits them. We are delighted once again to have the support of Abbott as title sponsor, which is invaluable to us in hosting the races each year. As the big day approaches, I hope everyone has enjoyed their training and I wish them all every success with their race.”

Conor Murphy, Abbott Longford Site Director, Abbott said: “At Abbott we’re passionate about helping people live the best life they can through good health. We’re celebrating every single person who is participating in this year’s Abbott Longford Marathon, whether they’re running the ultra-marathon or walking the 5k. The marathon is an annual community highlight in Longford, and I look forward to cheering on all the participants.”

All information is available at https://longfordmarathon.com/ and for those interested in volunteering, please drop the organisers an e-mail to info@longfordmarathon.com

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Temporary Road Closures
To facilitate the staging of the Abbott Longford Marathon on Sunday, Main Street, Longford town will be closed from 7am to 6pm. All through traffic is requested to use the N4 & N5 Longford town by-passes. Diversions will be in place in the town centre for local traffic.

The eastbound lane of the N63 Athlone Rd, Longford from Ballymacormack crossroads to Townspark (entrance to SuperValu) will be closed from 9am - 10.30am. The alternative route for traffic travelling from Ballymahon / Killashee is to divert via the R397 & the L-1127 at Ballymacormack.

Westbound traffic (from Longford town) will proceed with traffic management in place. Delays can be expected.

Longford County Council advises that in the interest of road safety, you are requested to follow diversions and heed all signs.

MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: At the launch of the 2024 Abbott Longford Marathon were l to r; John Sheehan (Chairperson Longford Marathon), Fr Ciaran McGovern (President & founder Longford Marathon), Gillian O'Sullivan (Manager Quality Assurance-design Abbott), Connor Murphy (Site director Abbott), Liam Fenelon (Vice President & founder Longford Marathon) and Mary Fenelon (Secretary Longford Marathon)

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