The 39th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon has kicked off on Sunday morning with thousands of runners taking part in the 26.2 mile race.
t’s been a protracted preparation for the race, but the hard yards in the gym and in parks across the country will now be put to the test, as thousands run for both fun and fundraising.
The delayed event saw over 5,500 people line up at Stormont as they made their way from the starting blocks in east Belfast into the city centre.
The Marathon marks the largest mass participation sporting event to take place across Northern Ireland and Ireland since restrictions have eased.
Runners are being cheered on, with some families and friends gathering at Stormont and other spectators following the action across the route.
General view of the start of the 2021 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon at the Stormont Estate, Belfast Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
The event was originally due to take place on September 19, but was delayed by organisers due to restrictions and other events taking place in the city.
It is the first marathon to be held in the city since 2019 and also the first to be held in October.
The PSNI has advised motorists to expect “some disruption†throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Roads will start to close wholly or partially from around 6am until 4.30pm approximately.
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