Belfast City Marathon Delivers Nail-Biting Finish as 24,000 Runners Take to the Streets
The 44th Belfast City Marathon produced a dramatic finish on Sunday as Ethiopian runner Abay Alemu crossed the line in 2:16:23, just one second ahead of compatriot Teadese Mamo, while nearly 24,000 participants — running for charities, personal milestones, and the sheer joy of it — transformed the streets of Belfast into a celebration of community and resilience.
Background
The Belfast City Marathon has grown from modest beginnings in 1982 into one of the most significant sporting events on the Northern Ireland calendar. The race, which traverses all four areas of the city — North, South, East, and West — has become a powerful symbol of Belfast's transformation from a city defined by conflict to one that celebrates community, health, and shared experience. The marathon route passes through neighbourhoods that were once divided by sectarian tension, and the sight of thousands of runners from all backgrounds moving through those streets together carries a significance that goes beyond sport.
This year's event, the 44th edition, started at the Stormont Estate and concluded at Ormeau Park, following a route that took runners through some of Belfast's most iconic streets, including City Hall and Parliament Buildings. The wheelchair race began at 08:59 BST, with elite runners starting at 09:00 BST and the main field at 09:01 BST. Extensive road closures were in place across the city throughout the morning, with key routes including the Upper Newtownards Road, Falls Road, Shankill Road, Andersonstown Road, and Lisburn Road all affected.
Key Developments
The men's race produced one of the closest finishes in the marathon's history. Abay Alemu of Ethiopia won in 2:16:23, with compatriot Teadese Mamo finishing just one second behind in 2:16:24. Abera Ketema took third place in 2:17:38. In the women's race, Morocco's Aziza Alaoui Selsouli won in 2:38:00, with Judith Storm of City of Derry Spartans an impressive second in 2:39:09 and Melissah Gibson of Ealing Eagles third in 2:42:44.
Jayne Bleakley won the wheelchair race in 2:32:39, completing the course as the sole wheelchair participant. She expressed a desire for more participants, particularly women, in future editions of the race. Among the charity runners, the FTD Brothers — Jordan and Cian Adams — were completing the Belfast Marathon as part of a challenge to run 32 marathons in 32 counties in 32 days to raise awareness for Frontotemporal Dementia. George Strong and Nick Marshall broke a world record for Prostate Cancer UK, finishing in 3:42 while wearing a 13.5kg full-body screw costume.
Why It Matters
The Belfast City Marathon matters because it is one of the few events that genuinely brings the whole city together. In a city where community divisions remain real, the marathon creates a shared space — on the streets, at the finish line, and in the pubs and cafes where runners and supporters gather afterwards — that transcends those divisions. The charity fundraising dimension adds another layer of meaning: thousands of runners are not merely testing their own limits but raising money for causes that affect their families, friends, and communities.
The marathon also has significant economic impact. With nearly 24,000 participants, many of whom travel from outside Belfast, the event generates substantial revenue for the city's hospitality sector. Hotels, restaurants, and transport providers all benefit from the influx of runners and supporters. For a city that has worked hard to establish itself as a destination for major events, the marathon is a flagship occasion that demonstrates Belfast's capacity to host large-scale, well-organised public events.
Local Impact
For Belfast residents, the marathon is both an inspiration and a logistical challenge. Road closures affected major routes across the city throughout Sunday morning, with the Upper Newtownards Road, Falls Road, Shankill Road, Andersonstown Road, and Lisburn Road all closed to traffic. Translink adjusted bus services to accommodate the closures. For those who lined the streets to cheer on runners — and the crowds were substantial — the marathon provided a rare opportunity to see their city at its best: vibrant, inclusive, and full of energy. St Anne's Primary School marked its 70th anniversary by having 70 of its runners participate in the event, a heartwarming community milestone that captured the spirit of the day.
What's Next
Official results are available on the Belfast Live website, searchable by name, bib number, or club. Queries regarding results can be directed to [email protected]. The FTD Brothers continue their 32-marathon challenge across Ireland, with their next events scheduled in the coming days. Planning for the 45th Belfast City Marathon in 2027 is expected to begin later this year, with organisers likely to review the route and logistics in light of this year's experience.
Sources: BBC News — Belfast City Marathon 2026; Belfast Live — Marathon live coverage
