Belfast Marathon
Encyclopedia
The Belfast Marathon is a marathon
run every year in Belfast
, Northern Ireland
. The marathon is run on May Day
of each year and has been held for 29 years (1982 to 2010). In 2011 there were over 20,000 race participants.
The race is now divided into several categories: men's, ladies', relay, veteran's and wheelchair. It is organised jointly by Belfast City Council
and Northern Ireland Athletics. In 2005 the route was changed to provide runners with a flatter course. This proved unpopular, as it took runners along roads such as the Sydenham by-pass, which were devoid of spectators. In 2006 the original route was reinstated, starting at the City Hall
and passing both the Shankill
and the Falls, finishing in Ormeau Park. The 2011 route was unchanged from the previous two years.
Marathon
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres , that is usually run as a road race...
run every year in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. The marathon is run on May Day
May Day
May Day on May 1 is an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival and usually a public holiday; it is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures....
of each year and has been held for 29 years (1982 to 2010). In 2011 there were over 20,000 race participants.
The race is now divided into several categories: men's, ladies', relay, veteran's and wheelchair. It is organised jointly by Belfast City Council
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Council is the local authority with responsibility for the city of Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. The Council serves an estimated population of , the largest of any district council in Northern Ireland, while also being the fourth smallest by area...
and Northern Ireland Athletics. In 2005 the route was changed to provide runners with a flatter course. This proved unpopular, as it took runners along roads such as the Sydenham by-pass, which were devoid of spectators. In 2006 the original route was reinstated, starting at the City Hall
Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall is the civic building of the Belfast City Council. Located in Donegall Square, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, it faces north and effectively divides the commercial and business areas of the city centre.-History:...
and passing both the Shankill
Shankill Road, Belfast
The Shankill Road is the arterial road leading through a predominantly loyalist working-class area of Belfast, Northern Ireland, known as the Shankill. The road stretches westwards for approximately from central Belfast and is lined, to an extent, by shops. The residents live in the many streets...
and the Falls, finishing in Ormeau Park. The 2011 route was unchanged from the previous two years.