THOUSANDS of runners and spectators will converge on Strabane this Sunday, May 14, for one of the most popular events on the local athletics calendar.
The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon and 5k is back for a fourth successive year and is set to attract a record field of 2,000 runners.
While registrations for the Half Marathon have closed, places remain available for the 5k event and interested runners can secure their place online at www.derrystrabane.com/halfmarathon until Thursday 11th May at 12noon.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, wished the runners luck and urged as many people as possible to come out and support their efforts on Sunday morning.
“The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon and 5k has once again attracted a huge field of runners from both sides of the border and beyond, continuing its reputation as one of the biggest cross border events on the athletics calendar,” she said.
“The race attracts runners of all levels and whether you are aiming to beat your personal best, place in one of the categories or simply get to the finish line it promises to be an experience to remember.
“Support along the route can make a big difference to the runners’ efforts, particularly at testing times of the race, so I would encourage as many people as possible to come out and give their vocal support to help energise the entrants.
“Good luck to all the runners in both races, I hope you enjoy your experience and reach your personal goals.”
Participant are advised to be at Melvin Sports Centre at least an hour before Race Start time, the race start at Meeting House Street at 10.30am.
The 5km Fun Run will leave the Meeting House Street Strabane 10.45am (new route) with the race concluding at Melvin Athletics Track, Strabane.
Participants are welcome back to Melvin after the event for a special prize giving reception.
Anyone planning a journey through Strabane or Lifford on Sunday should avoid the following routes due to road closures and heed traffic warnings in and around the town centre.
Traffic Diversions will be in place at Townsend Street to accommodate the Race Start with a One Way Traffic System in place at Ballindrait Lifford, traffic diversions on Woodend Road and diversions in place to the A5.
Spectators should note that following the race start at Meeting House Street, the route will continue along Dock Street, Railway Street, Urney Road, Main Street, Bridge Street, Bradley Way, A5, Lifford Road, Ballindrat (Lifford), Lifford Road, A5, Park Road, Spruce Road, Woodend Road, Derry Road, Abercorn Square, Bridge Street, Melvin Road, finishing at Melvin Athletics Track.
The 5K route leaves from Meeting House Street, following two laps along Market Street, Derry Road, Canal Street, Dock Street, Railway Street, Branch Road, Main Street, finishing at Melvin Athletic Track via Melvin Road on the second lap.
Participants can collect their Race Pack from Melvin Sports Complex Strabane on Friday 12th May 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 13th May 9.30am -12.30pm and Sunday 14th May Sunday morning 8.30am and 9.30am.
Motorists are warned that traffic delays are expected in and around the route from 9.30am -1.30am.
Pedestrian restrictions will also be in place at the path from Ballycolman estate via Melvin Sports Complex with access limited to accommodate the event.
Car Parking
There will be no parking available at Melvin Sports Complex on Race Day. Anyone travelling to the race start is advised to access parking at the dedicated Half Marathon / 5K Car Park in Dock Street Car Park.
Shuttle Buses will be in place to transport participants to and from Melvin Sports Complex before and after the event.
Please note that Mill Street Car Park is only available for parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Runners are advised that there will be no runners registered on the morning of the race.
For more information on the race please go to www.derrystrabane.com/halfmarathon
