Belfast Marathon

Belfast Marathon
The inflatable archway outside Belfast City Hall, at the start of the route for all competitors.
Date	2 May 2011
Location	Belfast, Northern Ireland
Event type	Marathon
Distance	26.2 miles (42.1 km)
Established	1982

The Belfast Marathon is a marathon run every year in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The marathon is run on May Day of each year and has been held for 33 years (1982 to 2014). In 2011 there were over 20,000 race participants.

The race is now divided into several categories: mens, ladies, relay, veterans and wheelchair. It is organised jointly by Belfast City Council and Northern Ireland Athletics. In 2005 the route was changed to provide runners with a flatter course. This proved unpopular, as it took runners along roads such as the Sydenham by-pass, which were devoid of spectators. In 2006 the original route was reinstated, starting at the City Hall and passing both the Shankill and the Falls, finishing in Ormeau Park. The 2011 route was unchanged from the previous two years.