THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS will be on the move today as they take part in the Dublin City Half Marathon, with the sold-out event bringing road closures and diversions across large parts of the city.

The race begins on O’Connell Street in central Dublin at 8.30am, with runners moving through the city centre before heading north towards Drumcondra, Raheny and Clontarf, and finishing in the north-east inner city.

Road closures and timings

Significant closures will be in place from early morning, particularly around the start and finish areas:

• O’Connell Street (southbound) will be closed from 3am to 1pm
• O’Connell Street (northbound) will be closed from 6.30am to 10.30am
• Talbot Street, Marlborough Street and surrounding city centre streets will be closed from around 6am to 10.30am
• Parnell Street will be closed from 8am to 10.30am

At the finish end, parts of the north docklands and Guild Street area will remain closed from midnight Saturday until 6pm Sunday, with Mayor Street Lower closed from 4am to 4pm today.

Further disruption will be felt along the race route as runners move through the north city and coastal corridor, including Drumcondra, Beaumont, Kilmore, Howth Road and sections of Clontarf.

Rolling closures will apply between approximately 7.30am and 1pm, depending on location.

A full list of road closures can be found here.

Public transport disruption

Almost 30 Dublin Bus routes will be affected, with diversions and delays expected throughout the morning.

Dublin Bus services operating through the city centre and northside will be particularly impacted, including key high-frequency routes.

Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for journeys and to check updates before travelling.

Race route

The event, organised by Dublin City Council, has sold out for the second consecutive year, with entry increased to 13,200 participants following a ballot system.

Runners will pass landmarks including Croke Park before heading towards Raheny and Clontarf seafront, with water stations and medical support positioned at regular intervals along the course.

During the run, water will be available at 5km, 10km, 14km and 18km locations in compostable cups. Lucozade will be available at the 13km mark.

Here’s a look at the full route:

Dublin City Half Marathon Dublin City Half Marathon

Race waves

For those taking part, race numbers are non-transferable, and each number has a distinctive colour for each wave, which you have already been allocated.

• Wave 1 – Orange
• Wave 2 – Green
• Wave 3 – Blue

Wave 1 sets off first at 8.30am. Wave 2 begins at 8.45am and wave 3 starts at 9am, though runners are advised to get to the start line well in advance.

You can enter the start area via Marlborough Street.

Finish and spectator advice

The finish area in the north-east inner city is expected to be busiest between late morning and early afternoon, with spectators encouraged to use public transport where possible and to plan journeys in advance.

The event is expected to cause disruption until mid-afternoon as roads gradually reopen once the final runners pass through.

Entertainment and cheer zones will feature along the route.

Family and friends will be able to track participants’ progress on race day via the official event tracker here.