• 12th edition of the IAU 24H World Championships heads to Belfast in just over nine weeks’ time
• Intitial £5,000 raised to fund lighting, tents and athlete fuel stations
• Target now extended to £8,000 as the LOC to host the best ‘ultra’ race on earth with the help of an army of passionate volunteers
• Crowdfunding page can be found via http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/world-24-hour-championships-in-belfast

With just over nine weeks to go until the IAU 24-hour World Championships heads to Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has today announced an extension to their crowdfunding target following the raising of £5,000, the initial target figure, with seven days still to go until the web page closes on Thursday 4 May.

Following the launching of the page just under four weeks’ ago, a total of 76 pledges have seen the initial target hit with a week still to run until the closing date as the LOC look to raise funds to produce the best ‘ultra’ race on earth.

Now in its 12th edition, the biennial championships, which is this year due to be held in Belfast’s Victoria Park, will see the very best elite runners in the world test themselves against one another whilst competing for a gruelling and full 24 hours on the 1.7km loop course.

The championships on July 1-2 will serve to kick off a huge summer of world athletics in the UK, with the World Para Athletics Championships and the IAAF World Championships heading to London in July and August respectively.

For those who pledge to the crowd-funder, rewards, dependant on the pledged amount, will come in the form of bespoke souvenirs from the championships, details of which can be found on the crowdfunding page.

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee ahead of the championships, Ed Smith said:

“We’re delighted and so proud to have seen the initial target of £5,000 raised so quickly by the athletics community – it really is indicative of the growth and enthusiasm for ultra-running, especially here in the UK.”

“The money raised so far will be crucial for ensuring that the championship is able to run smoothly throughout, while, with the help of an army of superb volunteers, any additional funds raised between now and next Thursday’s closing date will serve to ensure that we give the world’s best ultra-runners the best possible experience here in Belfast.”

British Athletics’ Direct of Strategy & Partnerships, Nigel Holl said:

“To see the funds required raised in less than four weeks is fantastic; credit must go to all involved at the Local Organising Committee for their innovative thinking, and to see the generosity of the superb ultra-running community has also been superb.”

“I have no doubt that, come July 1, the 300 or so athletes from across the globe stood on that start line will be in for a fantastic race and championships in Belfast.”