Some 10,000 runners are expected to take part in the Dublin City Marathon this bank holiday Monday. A line-up ranging from elite endurance runners and charity fundraisers to gentle strollers and grown men dressed as cattle will participate in the event, now in its 26th year.
Extensive traffic restrictions will be in place across the city and gardaí have advised the public to expect delays and to use public transport where possible.
More than 7,000 overseas visitors from 63 countries are expected in the capital for the event, generating an estimated €12 million for the city's economy at the weekend. Britain will supply the largest contingent of over 2,000 runners, while more than 1,000 will travel from the US and 300 from Canada.
A marathon famed in recent years for the relaxed relationship between runner and stopwatch will this year have a Halloween flavour, with organisers calling on runners, joggers and stragglers to take part in fancy dress to raise money for a charity of their choice.
Among those taking part is Niall McGarrigle, Strabane, Co Tyrone, who will take on the 26.2-mile route dressed as a cow to raise money for community support and conservation work in South America.
For others, the marathon is a serious business. While last year's winner, the Kenyan Lezan Kimutai, will not defend his title, previous winners Zacharia Mpolokeng, Onesmus Kilonzo and Simon Pride return to contest this year's race.
Also in the race will be 306 Americans who have trained for six months and raised more than $1.3 million (€1.07 million) for Aids service organisations.
"We have risen at dawn, raised money in difficult times and spread the word that people living with or at risk of HIV/Aids in Los Angeles rely on our community for support," said Craig E Thompson, executive director of the Aids Project Los Angeles.
Race director Jim Aughney said he was pleased the marathon continues to draw large numbers of entrants.
"We're obviously delighted to see numbers holding above the 10,000 mark again this year," he said.
"We want to see Dublin take its place among the top marathons in the world. . . it is a huge opportunity to showcase our city to the world, as well as a huge economic boost to the city."
Three city centre streets will be closed from 6am on Sunday to 5.30pm on Monday. These are Merrion Square west and south and the stretch from Merrion Street Upper to the junction of Fitzwilliam Lane.
Several others will be closed from 6am-5.30pm on Monday: Dawson Street, Kildare Street, Suffolk Street, Nassau Street, Frederick Street, Lincoln Place, Westland Row, Merrion Street Lower, Clare Street and Merrion Square North.
The stretch from the junction of Tara Street and Pearse Street to the junction at College Green will be closed from 10.30am-4pm on Monday, while Merrion Square East (park side of the road only) will be closed from 11am-6pm on Monday.