01/05/2026

Traffic and Travel Advice Ahead of 2026 Belfast City Marathon

The Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon and Team Relay will take place this Sunday, 3rd May, with the race set to commence from the Stormont Estate at 9.00am. The 26.2-mile course will traverse all areas of the city before concluding at Ormeau Park, attracting a significant number of participants and spectators.

In accordance with legislation, marathon organisers have secured a road closure order, meaning motorists should prepare for considerable disruption throughout the day. Roads are expected to begin closing, either wholly or partially, from approximately 6.00am, with all routes scheduled to fully reopen by 4.30pm.

Key Road Closure Information

• Stormont & East Belfast (6.00am – 10.30am): Significant impact on the Upper Newtownards Road, Beersbridge Road, and Castlereagh areas as the race commences.

• South Belfast (7.00am – 12.00pm): Sections of the Ravenhill Road and Ormeau Embankment will be affected early in the day.

• City Centre (8.30am – 1.00pm): Closures will be in place around Chichester Street, Donegall Square, and Wellington Place.
News Image
• Boucher & Lisburn Road (8.00am – 1.30pm): Expect full closures as runners pass the halfway stage of the route.

• West Belfast (9.30am – 2.00pm): Lane and full closures will be implemented on the Falls Road and Andersonstown Road.

• North Belfast (9.30am – 3.00pm): Impact expected on the Antrim Road and surrounding relay changeover points.

Note: Roads will be reopened by marshals and police as quickly and safely as possible once the final participants have passed a specific point.

Motorists are strongly urged to check their planned routes in advance and allow significant extra time for any necessary journeys across the city. Diversionary routes will be signposted, and road users are asked to adhere strictly to all closure notices and the directions of event marshals.

For those attending the event, free parking is available at the start line within the Stormont Complex, accessible from the Dundonald side only after 8.00am. A shuttle bus service will also operate to transport participants from the Ormeau Embankment finish line back to the City Centre and Stormont.

For further details on the full route and projected participant times, visit the official website at belfastcitymarathon.com.

Latest Northern Ireland News

01 May 2026
CJI Calls for Urgent 'Child-Centred' Reform in Domestic Abuse Cases
Jacqui Durkin, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, has issued an urgent call for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to overhaul their approach to domestic abuse investigations.
01 May 2026
Stalking Awareness Event Held At St Eugene's Cathedral Parish Hall
Police from Derry City & Strabane joined statutory and community partners at St Eugene’s Cathedral Parish Hall on Thursday, 30 April 2026, for a community event focused on raising awareness of stalking.
01 May 2026
New 'Best Alleyway' Category Added to Belfast in Bloom 2026
Belfast City Council has officially launched the 2026 Belfast in Bloom competition, inviting residents, schools, and businesses to showcase their gardening achievements.
01 May 2026
O'Dowd Pledges Automatic Removal Of Parental Responsibility After Domestic Homicide
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has ordered work on Jade's Law‑style reforms to remove parental rights from anyone convicted of murdering or committing voluntary manslaughter of a co‑parent, with plans to introduce a Bill early in the next mandate.
01 May 2026
'This Is Our Health' Engagement Programme Launched
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today unveiled a large-scale, innovative engagement programme, 'This is our Health', aimed at creating a clear, shared and credible deal between people in Northern Ireland and the health and social care system.
01 May 2026
First Curriculum Framework For Initial Teacher Education Launched
Northern Ireland has published its first Curriculum Framework for Initial Teacher Education, outlining the core knowledge, skills and practices expected of all new teachers. Education Minister Paul Givan announced the framework on 30 April, describing it as a significant step in shaping how student teachers are prepared for the classroom.
01 May 2026
PSNI Accepts CJI Review Findings On Domestic Abuse Law Implementation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has acknowledged the publication of the third Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) review into the implementation of Part 1 of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021.
01 May 2026
NIFRS Extinguish Major Wildfires Across Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has confirmed that several significant wildfires across the country have been successfully extinguished following days of intensive operations. Operations at Sandbank Road, Hilltown, have concluded after the initial call was received at 9.01am on Sunday 26 April 2026.
01 May 2026
Traffic and Travel Advice Ahead of 2026 Belfast City Marathon
The Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon and Team Relay will take place this Sunday, 3rd May, with the race set to commence from the Stormont Estate at 9.00am. The 26.2-mile course will traverse all areas of the city before concluding at Ormeau Park, attracting a significant number of participants and spectators.
01 May 2026
Traffic Disruption Expected in South Belfast for Irish Cup Final
Police are advising motorists and residents in South Belfast to anticipate significant traffic disruption on Saturday 2nd May due to the Irish Cup Final. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm at the National Stadium, with a capacity crowd of more than 12,000 supporters expected to attend.