David Coulter from Dundonald is running the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon to raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI), the official charity partners for the marathon. David chose the charity after he had the opportunity to visit the service after his wife took part in the recent Air Ambulance Runway Run at Belfast City Airport.
David told us more about why he signed up and how his training is going.
“I chose Air Ambulance as I believe the service is vital in so many ways and is much needed in our wee country and while up at the airbase few weeks back I learned more and more about its function and the importance of the service. I looked around and saw the Belfast Marathon banner and it just clicked there and then that I should be doing the marathon to raise funds for Air Ambulance and not just to run it for myself, and also being an AANI Club Member, it now means more.”
Although David has taken part in park runs, 10k events and half marathons, this will be the 44 year olds first full marathon.
David explains about his training so far, “I have just started my marathon training block today (04-11-24) and giving myself every opportunity to do well when the day arrives, so around 26 weeks to go better to respect the distance and give it my best shot.
I use a coaching app called Runna and have found it very useful up to now as I have seen my previous best times at 5k and 10k levels being smashed so looking to do the same come half marathon distance and on.
In the training block Sonya (my wife) and myself are heading to Mallorca to take part in the Magaluf half marathon (05-04-25) in preparation for Belfast so I’ll know where my training has got me to by then.”
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for the charity said, “We are delighted that David has decided to support the charity in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon. As designated charity partner it’s a great opportunity to get active and play your part in saving lives, brains and limbs. We are keen to remind people of the range of events that will be part of the day on Sunday 4th May next year, including an 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay with a shortest leg of 4.2 miles, as well as the full 26.2 mile run. In previous years we’ve had people from all abilities and backgrounds lacing up their trainers to support Air Ambulance including families, work colleagues, sports clubs and neighbours- the atmosphere is electric on marathon day and we would encourage all to get involved.
Funds raised will help people in your community for whom the worst has happened meaning they require pre-hospital critical care at scene. Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank David, wish him all the best of luck with his training and we look forward to cheering him over the finish line.”
You can register now for the 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay, Half Marathon and Full Marathon at
www.belfastcitymarathon.com. When you register you will have the option to support Air Ambulance NI. Please tick the box and we will be in touch with your digital fundraising pack and your invitation to the helicopter airbase so you can personally see the service you are challenging yourself for and supporting. We encourage all of our participants to set up an eventmaster online page to maximise fundraising for your air ambulance. It could save a life!”
Further information is also available from Air Ambulance NI www.airambulanceni.org/upcoming-events/belfast-city-marathon/, or by calling the charity on 028 9262 2677