STRABANE is gearing up for one of the biggest events in the annual sporting calendar this week as the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon fast approaches on Sunday May 15.
Local people are being encouraged to turn out in force to support the participants in this popular cross-border challenge, with over 1,100 entrants expected to take part in the race.
This year’s new route is an added attraction, taking in the new Strabane Pedestrian Bridge and part of Strabane town centre. All the action begins after the runners meet at Melvin Sports Centre at 9.30am on Sunday in preparation for the race start.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, wished all those involved good luck ahead of the race.
“The Half Marathon draws a great entry from both sides of the border and they’re expecting a full quota for this year’s race. I want to wish everyone the very best in their efforts whether this is their first half marathon or an attempt at a personal best. It’s fantastic to see the running craze in the district still going from strength to strength.
“I also want to urge people to line the streets in support of everyone taking part, just to give that extra boost to morale. And I would ask everyone on the day, both spectators and participants, to co-operate with stewards and heed any advice with regards to traffic and travel.”
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 Ballindrat Lifford. Woodend Road will be closed, with 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, Branch 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, Meeting House Street, Pedestrian Bridge, finishing at Melvin Athletics Track.
The 5K route leaves from Meeting House Street, following along the Derry Road, A5, Railway Street, Abercorn Square, Meetinghouse Street, Pedestrian Bridge and finishing at Melvin Athletics Track.
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.
The Strabane Pedestrian Bridge will be closed from 9am to 2pm to members of the public.
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
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