Foyle Valley AC’s Keith Shiels celebrates winning last year’s Waterside Half Marathon.
If you’re one of the 1,900 runners lining up for tomorrow’s Waterside Half Marathon, then the message is “arrive early!” as huge crowds are expected to throng the Gransha Grounds for the popular annual event.
Participants and those living in the area should be aware that a number of traffic and travel restrictions will be in place for a short period during the race.
Members of the public are being asked to follow the signed diversions and co-operate fully with race marshals and police to minimise disruption and avoid delays on the day.
The course for this year’s event follows the same route as last year, extending out and back between the Gransha Grounds and the Old Clooney Road, the turning point being just beyond Kee Road. Sections of the A2 country bound carriageway and the Maydown Roundabout will have lane closures to create runners’ lanes and a temporary speed restriction will be in force.
One key feature of the traffic management system will be the introduction of a one way traffic system on Donnybrewer Road, between Campsie Roundabout and Station Road. Anyone from the city planning to visit the White Horse Hotel during the event should follow the diversion signs, while residents of Westlake and Strathfoyle are asked to travel via Maydown Road and to avoid Temple Road during the race.
Event organisers, Derry City Council, are asking members of the public to avoid travelling along the route during the event if at all possible, and urge those who must travel to drive carefully and remain vigilant, as they may encounter people running on the road. Residents living along the route are also being asked to park their vehicles off the road, to keep the route clear for the race to pass safely.
Noel Munnis, Head of Culture, Leisure and Community Services with Derry City Council, Noel Munnis, traffic around the Gransha area was “likely to be heavy” tomorrow morning.
He added: “Anyone planning on attending should consider car sharing and allow at least an extra 20 minutes journey time to and from the area.
“We are delighted that this year we have a full turnout for the race, and we are also anticipating that a substantial number of supporters will attend. In order to ensure that this is an enjoyable day out for the whole family I would urge people to co-operate fully with the event marshals. Everything will be done to ensure disruptions to normal traffic will only be for the minimum time necessary.”
This year sponsorship raised from the Waterside Half Marathon will be dedicated to the Mayor’s two official chosen charities for the year – Something Special and COS (Circle of Support) for Autism Families.
Tags:
