The 11th Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event starts at 9.30am from the Alley Theatre in Strabane and finishes at the Melvin Athletics Track, with final runners due around 12.45pm.

The route runs from Strabane through Lifford and Clady village, back to Strabane, passing through town centre early on. Short-term delays are expected on Railway Street and nearby areas from 9am to 10.30am, and on Urney Road, A5, Bradley Way, and Bridge Street from 9am to 12.30pm.

Traffic may face restrictions at times on Railway Street, Main Street, Bridge Street, Urney Road, A5 from Melmount Road Roundabout to Barnhill Road, Bradley Way Roundabout, Bradley Way, John Wesley Street, Canal Street, Dock Street, A5 Barnhill, A38 Lifford Road, N15 through Clady Village, Great Northern Link Junction, Meeting House Street, and Strabane Pedestrian Bridge.

Temporary restrictions are planned in consultation with PSNI, An Garda Síochána, Department for Infrastructure, and Donegal County Council. On the Donegal side, the N15 southbound lane between Lifford and Clady closes from 8.30am to 1pm, with signed diversions.

Motorists should avoid the route if possible, follow signs, and allow extra time. Residents along the route must park off-road ahead and exit roads carefully. Churchgoers in Strabane, Lifford, Castlefinn, and Doneyloop should plan for added travel time on Sunday morning.

No parking at Melvin Sports Complex. Participant parking is at Canal Street Car Park behind the Alley Theatre start. Public parking options include John Wesley Street, Lower Main Street, and Butcher Street.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh will start the race. He noted careful planning limits unavoidable disruption and urged support for runners with advance journey plans. Council Head of Events Jacqueline Whoriskey stated the event sold out quickly for its largest field, with police, gardaí, and marshals on route.

Race pack collection occurs at Melvin Sports Complex on Friday, May 15 from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday, May 16 from 9am to 2pm, and race morning from 7.30am to 8.30am.