On Bank Holiday
Mon 7 May, an estimated 20,000+ runners will take part in the
2012 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
The route begins at the City Hall at 09:00, ends at Ormeau Park and takes in every part of the city, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheer on the runners. And N. Ireland's largest sporting participatory event will include some extra goodies for runners and spectators.
The first male and female athlete to break the current records set by Jacob KipKorir Cheshire last year (2:14:56) and Marashet Jumma in 2008 (2:39:22) will receive a 'roll-over' bonus of £1000. An International Expo will be held in the City Hall with more exhibitions than ever before. And, on the race day itself, Ormeau Park will host a family fun day with bands, food and drink and a funfair to celebrate all finishing athletes.
Showers and limited changing facilities will be available at the Park's Tennis Arena. And 2012 will see the return of the famous pasta party at the Premier Inn, Official Accommodation Partner, the evening before race day, Sun 6 May.
As well as experiencing the euphoria at completing the 26+mile circuit, participants can also turn their accomplishment into money for charity. Choose your own charity or donate your winnings to 2012’s nominated charity - the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Whether a dedicated athlete or marathon rookie, now’s the time to turn your running dreams into reality. You have between now and Fri 20 April 2012 to enter at
www.belfastcitymarathon.com or call the hotline
(+44) (0)28 9060 5933.
And visit the
website for lots more info, including a route map, training plans, event updates and details on how to volunteer on the day.
To join the cheering hordes, or avoid the traffic snarls, here are the predicted start and finish times:
| Location | First Runner | Last Runner | Last Walker |
| City Hall – Albert Bridge | 09.00 | 09.15 | 09.20 |
| Albertbridge Rd. | 09.05 | 09.30 | 09.40 |
| Holywood Rd. | 09.10 | 09.50 | 10.10 |
| Sydenham By-Pass | 09.15 | 10.15 | 10.40 |
| Ann St. - Victoria St. | 09.25 | 10.30 | 11.00 |
| High St. - Castle St. | 09.30 | 10.45 | 11.20 |
| Falls Rd. - Clonard Gdns. | 09.35 | 11.05 | 11.45 |
| Shankill Rd. - Tennent St. | 09.45 | 11.15 | 12.00 |
| Oldpark Rd. - Westland Rd. | 09.50 | 11.30 | 14.20 |
| Antrim Rd. | 09.55 | 11.30 | 13.40 |
| Whitewell Rd. - Mill Rd. | 10.10 | 11.45 | 14.10 |
| Shore Rd. – Whitehouse Pk. | 10.18 | 11.55 | 14.30 |
| Loughshore Cycle Path | 10.22 | 13.40 | 15.20 |
| Dargan Rd. – Duncrue St. | 10.35 | 14.10 | 16.00 |
| Whitla Steet – Corporation St. | 10.45 | 14.35 | 16.30 |
| Donegal Quay – Lanyon Pl. | 10.50 | 14.50 | 16.50 |
| Lagan Tow Path | 10.55 | 15.05 | 17.10 |
| Ormeau Rd. – Ravenhill Rd. | 11.00 | 15.40 | 18.00 |
| Ormeau Embankment | 11.10 | 16.00 | 18.30 |