Despite the conditions, 20,000 people from all over Ireland and indeed the rest of the world took part in yesterday’s Belfast Marathon.
It certainly was the place to be on Bank Holiday Monday despite the bad weather, as almost 3,800 runners competed in the full marathon, which is a new record for Belfast and thousands more competed in other events like the relay and the walk.
The 31st Belfast City Marathon route included all parts of the city and ended in the Ormeau Park, and winner of the men’s race, Ethiopian Urga Neqowu completed the marathon course in 2:13:41 knocking more than 1 minute off the previous best time recorded at this event.
The rain and cold winds didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors and supporters, who turned out to cheer on friends, family and new faces they didn’t know.