Some 11,000 athletes are on their marks and getting set for the Adidas Dublin Marathon which takes place on the city streets this Bank Holiday Monday. Steven Carrollreports.
Competitors from across the globe have registered for the event, the prestige and popularity of which is increasing annually.
This is the 28th time the Dublin Marathon has been run and the numbers participating have increased five-fold since its inception in 1980. Race director Jim Aughney said he was "delighted" with the number of entries received.
"This year's number is over and above previous years and it is great to see the event continuing to grow in popularity.
"There should be very exciting races in both the men's and women's divisions, and we have a number of past winners returning," he said.
Among the contenders vying for the €15,000 winner's cheque are Aleksey Sokolov from Russia, who holds the record time for the race, and 2004 winner Lezan Kimutai from Kenya. Last year's winner Alina Ivanova from Russia and the consistent Kenyan athlete Susan Teimet are among the favourites in the women's race. There have been 12 Irish women winners and 11 Irish men winners. However, it is now seven years since Sonia O'Sullivan was the last Irish victor.
The elite women's race sets off from the junction of Fitzwilliam Square and Baggot Street at 8.45am and then the majority of competitors will follow at 9am. The field will initially travel north towards O'Connell Street, then on to Dorset Street, up North Circular Road, and through the Phoenix Park. The course then crosses back south of the Liffey and competitors will pass through Inchicore, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Milltown, Donnybrook and Ballsbridge, before the race culminates on Merrion Square.
Many city centre roads will be closed as early as Sunday morning to facilitate the setting up of the route, and AA Roadwatch has issued advice for motorists on how to avoid marathon traffic problems.
"Traffic coming from the north or west of the city travelling to the RDS should use the East Link toll bridge and Strand Rd or else the M50/N11.
"If you're coming from the south, use the N11 and Ailesbury Road. Severe traffic restrictions will be in place around Merrion Square, Nassau Street and Stephen's Green until 5.30pm," Tressan McCambridge said.
Unfortunately for those taking part, Met Éireann expects Monday to be cold, with temperatures between nine and 12 degrees, and blustery west to northwest winds are expected.
Some showers are also forecast and there is a possibility of hail in some places.