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.
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• 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.

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