Time to get your trainers on and your water bottles at the ready as the excitement builds for this year's Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon.
On Sunday, September 18, 6,000 people are expected to take on the Belfast City Half Marathon in its 9th year. Starting and ending on the Ormeau Embankment, the 13.1 journey has been developed to include a more scenic route through Botanic Gardens onto Stranmillis Embankment.
If you are involved in any of the events, are supporting your loved ones or are just looking for a fun day out, here are some of the key things you should know before the half marathon takes place.
Read more: Full list of road closures for Belfast City Half Marathon 2022
Where and when is the Belfast City Half Marathon?
The event will be held on a Sunday (September 18).
All events will start and end on the Ormeau Embankment
This event is ideal for:
- First-time Half Marathon entrants, as it is a great progressional route for those who have completed a 10K.
- Relay teams who want to set a new distance goal.
- Athletes seeking a PB.
Where do you pick up your pack for Belfast City Half Marathon?
The Pack Collection and Expo will take place at the TEC on Saturday September 17, 10.30am to 6.00pm. All participants need to attend the Pack Collection and Expo to receive their race number, t-shirt and bag.
No packs will be posted in 2022 and no packs will be available on race day.
In order to collect your pack, you will need your QR code that has been emailed to all registrants – it’s in your confirmation email too, and can be accessed via your Eventmaster account. To ensure a speedy service for the collection of packs, the organisers have limited pack collections to 6 per person to enable a smooth, fast transaction without putting the team of volunteers under any extra pressure.
The Pack Collection and Expo will have a number of activities and stands suitable for participants and families alike with free giveaways and samples.
What to do if you are unable to attend the Expo?
If you cannot attend the Expo on Saturday 17th September, you can send someone to pick up your race pack for you. Your nominated person must bring printed confirmation of your QR Code and a copy of your identification (passport or driving licence for example) and can only collect a maximum of 6 pack/entries.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the participants receive the correct pack and race number if collecting multiple packs.
Parking at the TEC
There will be up to 600 free parking spaces at any time during the opening hours of the Expo.
It is free to attend our Expo even if you not participating in the marathon events this year. Come along and purchase running apparel, accessories, muscle & active nutrition products or even book in for your next marathon. Bring the whole family along, as there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Road closures for Belfast City Half Marathon
Motorists can expect some disruption throughout the morning of the event, although every attempt will be made to ensure that this is kept to a minimum.
Organisers appreciate the inconvenience of traffic disruption but ask that the public please follow the traffic diversion signs.
These are set up with participant safety and the safety of all road users being priority, to assist with traffic management in and around the event.
You can check out the full list of road closures here.
Weather
The Met Office has forecasted an overcast start to Sunday but it is set to brighten up by the afternoon. They have predicted highs of 15 C and lows of 8 C for September 18 in Belfast.
Keep an eye on the forecast and prepare. If cold, pack a jumper/fleece to wear on race morning.
Transport and parking for Belfast City Half Marathon
Parking around Ormeau Park/City Centre – Parking will only be available in the City Centre.
To source a suitable car park please follow this link.
If you intend on travelling by public transport, with Official Transport Partner Translink, please plan your travel requirements in advance as bus and rail times and services are susceptible to change.
Belfast City Half Marathon route
Additional information
Competitors are advised to arrive no less than 45 minutes before the start.
The Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon is a competitive event and must be completed in less than 3 hours – no exceptions.
In light of recent of events, a period of silence will be held prior to the start of the race.
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