Former Irish Olympian Marie Murphy gives cancer a run for its money and launches the new ‘Run4Life’ programme in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

With her running shoes firmly laced up, former Irish Olympian and exercise specialist Marie Murphy went the distance today as she launched the Irish Cancer Society’s Run4Life Marathon programme.

Since its inception the Run4Life programme has offered experienced runners and novices alike the opportunity to run a marathon at home or overseas for the Irish Cancer Society. This year as an incentive to reach your marathon goal, Coach Murphy will be giving exclusive training programmes and nutrition plans to participants tailored to their specific needs.

Speaking at the launch, Coach Murphy said “For the first time ever, I’ve teamed up with the Irish Cancer Society to help get their participants’ marathon ready. Our programme is open to anyone who has ever dreamed of completing a marathon, beginners and experienced runners. Together we can get you across the finish line, while raising much needed funds for the Society’s cancer care services.”

Also speaking at the launch, Cliona Hegarty, National Campaigns Manager, Irish Cancer Society said “The cancer challenge in Ireland is an enormous one. One in three of us will develop cancer during the course of our lifetime and this year alone it is estimated that 30,000 people will develop cancer. We rely on the public’s goodwill and support to continue to provide our free nationwide patient care services. We’re encouraging people all over the country to run a marathon in support of our programmes and we’ll support them every step of the way.

Last year over 300 people ran marathons for us at home and around the world, this year we want even more people to get their running shoes on and help outrun cancer.”

The Irish Cancer Society is offering guaranteed entry places for some of the most exciting entry including:
• Rome Marathon 2012 – 18th March 2012
• Barcelona Marathon - 25th March 2012
• Boston Marathon - 16th April 2012 (London is full)
• Paris Marathon - 15th April 2012
• Stockholm Marathon 2012 2nd June
• Chicago Marathon 2012 – 7th October 2012
• Amsterdam Marathon 2012 – 31st October 2012
• ING New York City Marathon - 4th November 2012

Irish marathons such as the Adidas Dublin City Marathon and the Bord Gais Cork City Marathon, as well as regional marathons around the country are also open to Run4Life participants.

For further information on the Run 4 Life marathon programme CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or email fundraising@irishcancer.ie