Dublin Marathon: All-day diversions in place

Temporary road closures and public transport diversions will be in place across Dublin today as some 15,000 runners take part in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon.

The 26.2 mile route stretches from the city centre across to the Phoenix Park, south towards Templeogue and east to Belfield before finishing in Merrion Square.

The first wave of runners departs Fitzwilliam Street at 9am, but diversions will be in place from early morning until 9pm.

Heavy restrictions will be in place in parts of the south inner city, including Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square, Holles Street and Mount Street. Motorists and pedestrians should also expect disruption elsewhere along the route.

Public transport

Adjustments will be made to most

Dublin Bus

services operating southbound from the city centre to accommodate the event, which is now in its 36th year, and Luas passengers on both lines should expect delays from 8.45am-10am.

As for the weather, it’s good news for the fast movers as a mainly dry start is predicted in Dublin.

Outbreaks of rain are expected to hit most parts of the country by afternoon or evening which may affect those finishing later in the day.

Met Éireann is forecasting highest temperatures of 12-15 degrees and there will be a stiff breeze, so spectators are advised to wrap up warm. They are also advised to arrive early to secure a decent vantage point given the volumes of supporters turning out each year.

Those attempting to drive into the city and its environs are advised to leave early, and parking spaces are expected to be extremely limited considering the typically high bank holiday demand.

Charities

As usual, many of those willing to tackle the gruelling course will be doing so for their favourite charity, and the competition helps raise millions of euro each year for worthy causes.

Marathon running is a labour of love for many, an attraction which was felt on an altogether different level by Alan McKenna and his wife May Gin Liew.

Their story has caught the public imagination in the build-up to this year’s race: after bumping into each other for the very first time at the 2010 Dublin Marathon, the couple are being welcomed back by the organisers to compete in this year’s event on the occasion of their fifth anniversary.

This year also marks the last time the marathon will take place on a Monday for the foreseeable future at least, as organisers last week announced plans to move the 2016 event to a Sunday.

The change is being made to attract more participants from Britain and Northern Ireland, as there is no October bank holiday observed in those jurisdictions.

However, some 2,000 participants from Britain and Northern Ireland are expected to take part in this year’s race.