Runners to make strides as marathon hits Dublin
Laura Graham MORE than 20,000 runners will pound the streets for the 38th annual Dublin marathon this morning.
Athletes and fun runners from around the country, and as far away as the US, will gather before 9am on the starting line.
Motorists are asked to be aware of road closures at certain times in the capital.
A number of roads will shut as the route goes from Fitzwilliam Street Upper, through to Stoneybatter, Drimnagh, Walkinstown and then on to Templeogue and Terenure before finishing up at Merrion Square North.
Hoping to emulate last year’s success is Co Down runner Laura Graham.
The 31-year-old mother of four, from Kilkeel, was the first Irish woman home in an impressive time of 2:41.54.
She knocked six minutes off her previous best time and secured 10th position overall in an elite race dominated by east African athletes.
Dereje Debele Tulu was first home in last year’s event in a time of 2:12.08 and headed an Ethiopian 1-2-3 finish.
Diversions will be in place and local access will be maintained as best as possible.
Most roads around the city centre will be reopened again by 7.30pm.