The Belfast marathon started at the Stormont estate. Nearly 24,000 people took part. The event began with runners passing the Newtownards Road near Knock junction at 9.03am.

Ethiopian runners Abay Alemu and Tadesse Mamo led early. Alemu finished first in two hours and 16 minutes. Mamo placed second, one second behind. Both maintained a pace of just over five minutes per mile over 26.2 miles.

Participants soon filled the four-lane road completely. Some runners moved to the footpath to pass. The route covered east, south, centre, west and north parts of Belfast. It ended in Ormeau Park.

Runners included those in costumes for charity and people pushing wheelbarrows or others. Walkers brought up the rear.

Thousands lined the route to watch. Some participants used wheelchairs. Others with disabilities ran shorter relay distances.

The event began in 1982. Participation has grown six times since then.