Frequently Asked Questions

Please select a topic from the list below to see a list of questions and answers relating to the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon. If you don't find an answer below click here to upload a question

• General Information
• Route information
• Official Marathon Charity
• About Belfast
• Volunteering Information

• When Does The Marathon Take Place

  Question Asked:When does the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon take place?

  Answer: The 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May 2011.

• Is the 2011 route the same as 2010?

  Question Asked:Is the 2010 route the same as 2009?

  Answer: The 2011 route will be the same as the 2010 route
  
  The route will be marshalled and marked out for participants

• How do I enter the Marathon?

  Question Asked:How do I enter the 2010 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon?

  Answer: There are four ways to enter the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon:
  - apply online
  - download an entry form from the website
  - pick up an entry form from your local library or leisure centre
  - call the Marathon Office on 028 9060 5933
  

• How Much Is Entry To The Marathon

  Question Asked:How much does it cost to take part in the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon?

  Answer: The following charges apply to entries:
  • Marathon Run - £33
  • Marathon Walk - £22
  • Team Relay - £80 (per team)
  • Wheelchair Marathon - £33
  • Fun Run - £11 (adults) and £9 (seniors and children aged 18 and under).
  
  Please note that the Belfast City Marathon Ltd Online Payment Service can only accept payments in sterling (GBP).
  
  If you need help with currency conversion, check out www.xe.com
  
  Online and telephone entries are subject to an administration fee of £2.00.
  

• How do I know if my entry has been successful?

  Question Asked:How do I know if my entry has been successful?

  Answer: All successful entrants, including those who enter online, will receive a confirmation letter seven days after their entry has been received.
  
  Online entrants will also receive confirmation of their payment by email (within 72 hours) or post, depending on the information you have supplied to us.
  
  Your confirmation letter will include details of your race number, pack collection times and instructions for race day itself.
  
  You should allow a minimum of seven days between application and receipt of confirmation letter.
  
  Sponsorship forms will also be included in your pack.
  

• Can I collect my race pack on the day of the race?

  Question Asked:Can I collect my race pack on Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2010?

  Answer: No - all packs must be collected on the following dates:
  
  Thursday 28th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Friday 29th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Saturday 30th April 2011 10.00am - 6.00pm
  Sunday 1st May 2011 9.00am - 5:00pm
  

• Can you post out my race pack?

  Question Asked:Can you post out my race pack?

  Answer: No - packs must be collected in person, or by a representative, on the following dates:
  
  
  Thursday 28th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Friday 29th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Saturday 30th April 2011 10.00am - 6.00pm
  Sunday 1st May 2011 9.00am - 5:00pm
  

• Can someone else pick up my race pack?

  Question Asked:Can someone else pick up my race pack?

  Answer: If you are unable to pick up your race pack in person, a representative can sign for it on your behalf.
  
  They must bring your confirmation letter with them.
  

• What time do the events start at?

  Question Asked:What time do the events start at?

  Answer: The Marathon Run and Team Relay begin at 9am at Belfast City Hall.
  
  The Wheelchair Marathon begins shortly before 9am at Belfast City Hall.
  
  The Marathon Walk begins at 9.20am at Belfast City Hall
  
  The Fun Run starts at 9.30am at Belfast City Hall.
  

• How many people took part last year?

  Question Asked:How many people took part in the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon?

  Answer: Last year the main marathon attracted over 3,300 participants while the Walk, Team Relay and Fun Run brought the total number of participants to over 18,600 paving the way for the most successful race day ever.

• What prizes are available?

  Question Asked:What prizes are available to Marathon participants?

  Answer: Find out more about Marathon prize lists

• Will I receive a medal or certificate?

  Question Asked:Will I receive a medal or certificate for taking part in the Marathon?

  Answer: All those who take part in the Marathon Run, Wheelchair Marathon and Marathon Walk receive a commemorative medal.
  
  Those taking part in the Team Relay and the Fun Run will receive a certificate.
  

• Can I get a refund if I don’t take part?

  Question Asked:Can I get a refund on my entry fee if I don’t take part in the Marathon?

  Answer: We operate a no-refund policy.
  
  However, entries can be transferred to another participant or 'held over' to the following year.
  
  To do this, you must forward a written request to the Marathon office.
  
  Call 028 9060 5933 for more information.
  

• How many water stations are available?

  Question Asked:How many water stations are available?

  Answer: We provide a series of water stations approximately every 1.5 to 2 miles around the Marathon course.
  • Download a map of the main Marathon route (JPEG - 54KB) in the main About section under Marathon Run
  • Download directions for the main Marathon route (Excel - 45KB) in the main About section under Marathon Run
  

• Do you provide energy stations?

  Question Asked:Do you provide energy stations?

  Answer: We provide water stations throughout the Marathon route, as well as four energy drink stations towards the latter stages of the route.
  • Download a map of the main Marathon route in the main About section under Marathon Run
  • Download directions for the Fun Run route in the main About section under Fun Run
  
  

• Are showers provided?

  Question Asked:Are showers provided?

  Answer: Showers and limited changing facilities are available near the finish line at the Indoor Tennis Arena and Ozone Complex.

• What toilet facilities are available on the route?

  Question Asked:What toilet facilities are available on the route?

  Answer: Toilets are provided at the Marathon start and finish areas.
  
  They are also available at each relay changeover point.
  
  There are also toilets available at the following points; Antrim Road, Duncrue Street, Corporation Street and Maysfield Leisure Centre.
  

• How far is the Marathon Walk?

  Question Asked:How far is the Marathon Walk?

  Answer: The Marathon Walk has two distances - nine miles or 26.2 miles

• How far is the Fun Run?

  Question Asked:How far is the Fun Run?

  Answer: The Fun Run is three miles long.

• Where are the Relay changeover points located?

  Question Asked:Where are the Relay changeover points located?

  Answer: There are four relay changeover points.
  
  They are located at
  - Bridge End
  - Hillview Road
  - Gideon's Green
  - Corporation Street

• How far is each part of the Team Relay?

  Question Asked:How far is each part of the Team Relay?

  Answer: The Team Relay is split into five parts.
  
  The following distances are approximate:
  - six miles
  - 3.5 miles
  - 7.1 miles
  - 5.3 miles
  - 4.3 miles
  

• How are Relay teams divided?

  Question Asked:How are Relay teams divided?

  Answer: Relay teams can have between two and five participants.
  
  They can be all-male, all-female or mixed (a mixed teams includes any combination of males and females)

• What steward arrangements are in place on race day

  Question Asked:What steward arrangements are in place for the Marathon?

  Answer: The entrire Marathon course is staffed by professional stewards, volunteers and officials from Athletics Northern Ireland.
  
  They work together with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to make the course safe for everyone.

• Is parking available in Ormeau Park?

  Question Asked:Is parking available in Ormeau Park?

  Answer: There is no car parking for participants or spectators at Ormeau Park.
  
  Ormeau Embankment will also be closed to the public on Monday 2nd May 2011.
  
  However, a park n ride system for spectators will be available.

• What park n ride systems are in place on race day?

  Question Asked:What park n ride arrangements will be in place during the Marathon?

  Answer: We provide park n ride facilities for spectators and participants to get to and from the Indoor Tennis Arena and Ozone Complex.
  
  The free bus service, which operates every five minutes, departs from Belfast City Council car parks in Ormeau Avenue and Cromac Street and drops off at the entrance to the Indoor Tennis Arena and Ozone Complex in Ormeau Park.
  
  The first bus leaves at 10:30am and the last service departs at 6pm.
  
  Limited parking is available in Ormeau Avenue and Cromac Street.

• What is the Marathon's official charity for 2011?

  Question Asked:What is the Marathon's official charity for 2011?

  Answer: The official charities for the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon are Macmillan Cancer Support and Transplant Sport UK

• Where can I get sponsorship forms for the charity?

  Question Asked:I want to support the Official Marathon charity. Where can i get a sponsorship form?

  Answer: Sponsorship forms are included in your confirmation pack, which you will recieve when you enter the Marathon.

• Can I run in support of another charity?

  Question Asked:Can i run in support of another charity?

  Answer: Entrants can support the charity of their choice.
  
  However, it is important that you contact your chosen charity in advance to receive an official sponsorship form.
  
  You must tell us on your entry form which charity you are raising money for.

• How do you become the Official Marathon charity?

  Question Asked:My organisation is interested in becoming an Official Marathon charity. Is this possible

  Answer: If you are interested in becoming an Official Marathon charity, call us on 028 9060 5922 or email us at belfastmarathon@btconnect.com
  

• Where can I find accommodation in Belfast?

  Question Asked:Where can I find accommodation in Belfast?

  Answer: Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation within the city centre.
  
  Our Official Accommodation partner for the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the Premier Inn.
  
  Premier Inn Belfast has two great hotels offering excellent accommodation within close walking distance of the start line and a super friendly Belfast welcome. Hypnos mattresses will ensure that all runners get the best night's sleep possible in the lead up to marathon day.
  
  For more information, please visit the Premier Inn website www.premierinn.com/pti/hotelInformation.do?hotelId=26036

• Where is the Belfast City Hall?

  Question Asked:Where is the Belfast City Hall?

  Answer: Belfast City Hall is located in Donegall Square.
  
  It is a 15 minute walk from Central Rail Station and a five minute walk from the Europa Bus Centre

• Which airports serve Belfast?

  Question Asked:Which airports serve Belfast?

  Answer: Belfast has two airports - Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
  
  Belfast International Airport is a 30 minute drive from the city centre and George Best Belfast City Airport is around ten minutes by car.
  
  Both airports are well served by local buses....

• How do I find Ormeau Park?

  Question Asked:How do I find Ormeau Park?

  Answer: Ormeau Park is located on the Ormeau Embankment.
  
  It is around 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre on foot and a ten minute drive from the George Best City Airport.
  

• Where can I change money?

  Question Asked:Where can I change money?

  Answer: Money-changing facilities are available in most banks and building societies in Belfast.

• Can I help out at this year's Marathon?

  Question Asked:Can I help out at this year's Marathon?

  Answer: Yes!!
  
  We want as many people as possible to get involved in the 2011 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
  
  We need volunteers to work as stewards or water station staff on the day.

• How do I volunteer for the Marathon?

  Question Asked:How do I volunteer for the Marathon?

  Answer: If you are interested in volunteering, call us on 028 9060 5944 or email belfastmarathon1@btconnect.com

• What are the benefits of volunteering?

  Question Asked:What are the benefits of volunteering?

  Answer: All of our volunteers receive event training to help them prepare for the Marathon.
  
  During the event, they receive a free packed lunch and official rain jackets and T-shirts.
  
  All volunteers also receive a commemorative medal in the weeks after the event

• What are the entry deadline dates?

  Question Asked:What is the deadline to enter the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2009?

  Answer: There are three deadlines for entry into the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.
  
  The initial closing date for entries is Friday 27th March. All Marathon, Relay and Walk Entries received after this date but before Friday 10th April will be subject to a £10 late entry surcharge. Any Marathon, Relay and Walk Entries received between Saturday 11th April and Friday 17th April will be subject to a £20 late entry surcharge.
  
  Any Fun Run entries will attract a surcharge of £5

• Where is Pack Collection?

  Question Asked:where do i pick up my race pack?

  Answer: Pack collection for the 2011 event will be held at the City Hall, Belfast.
  
  The Expo opening times for pack collection will be as follows;
  
  Thursday 28th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Friday 29th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Saturday 30th April 2011 10.00am - 6.00pm
  Sunday 1st May 2011 9.00am - 5:00pm

• What is the Course Elevation?

  Question Asked:What is the Course Elevation?

  Answer: Please click on the following link for an idea of the course elevation;
  
  http://www.marathonguide.com/coursemaps/elevationchart.cfm?MIDD=1047080505
  
  Miles 9 to 14 is the hillier section of the course, with the rest of the course reasonably flat. A route map can be found on our website, www.belfastcitymarathon.com

• What is the Marathon Route?

  Question Asked:What is the Marathon Route?

  Answer: The route map and directions are available for download on our website. Please click 'About' on the homepage, followed by 'Marathon Run', and then 'Right click to save main Marathon Route' and 'Right click to save Main Marathon Directions'

• Are there Official Pacers?

  Question Asked:Are there official pacers?

  Answer: There will be introduction of official pacers into the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for the first time in 2010, the organisers are pleased to confirm that this facility will be offered again in 2011.
  
  Full details will be available soon on the website for this area.

• Is there a Half Marathon available?

  Question Asked:Is a half marathon run an option?

  Answer: Unfortunately the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon does not offer a half marathon. A full list of events is available within the enter section of the official website.

• What is the closing date for entries?

  Question Asked:When is the last date for entry?

  Answer: The initial closing date for entries is Friday 25th March 2011. All Marathon, Relay and Walk Entries received after this date but before Friday 8th April 2011 will be subject to a £10 late entry surcharge.
  
  Any Marathon, Relay and Walk Entries received between Saturday 9th April – Friday 15th April 2011 will be subject to a £20 late entry surcharge (any late Fun Run entries will attract a late entry surcharge of £5).
  
  No entries for any event will be accepted after Friday 15th April 2011. No Refunds.

• What is the minimum age for entry?

  Question Asked:Is there a minimum age for entry to the marathon?

  Answer: Entrants for the Marathon Run must be 18 years of age or over on the day of the event. Marathon Team Relay and Marathon Walk entrants must be 16 years of age or over on the day of the event.
  
  There is no minimum age for the Fun Run. However, entrants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

• Baggage drop off

  Question Asked:Will there be a baggage at city hall, and collection in ormeau park at the end?

  Answer: Runners bags can be dropped off at the side of the Belfast City Hall (Donegall Square East - opposite Ulster Bank). The bags will be transported to the Ozone tennis centre at the finish line. The organisers advise all bags to be correctly labelled with your race number.

• Fun run race pack

  Question Asked:what is included in the race pack for the fun run please?

  Answer: The Fun Run race pack will include particpants t-shirt, race number, instructions for race day and some information from event sponsors.

• 2011 event date

  Question Asked:What date is the 2011 Deep RiverROck Belfast City Marathon?

  Answer: The date for the 2011 event has been confirmed as Monday 2nd May 2011.

• Nutrition Stations

  Question Asked:Are the nutrition stations shown on the route map different to the energy stations?

  Answer: The Nutrition stations on the course map are labelled N. They are located at Whitehouse Park and Dargan Crescent.

• Water Stations

  Question Asked:At water stations, is water dispensed in cups or bottles?

  Answer: Water will be distributed in cups throughout the route at the water stations

• Expo times

  Question Asked:what time do i need to pick up my race pack?

  Answer: The Expo opening times for pack collection will be as follows;
  
  Thursday 28th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Friday 29th April 2011 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Saturday 30th April 2011 10.00am - 6.00pm
  Sunday 1st May 2011 9.00am - 5:00pm

• Bus service on race day

  Question Asked:how can i get back to the city hall from the finish, do you provide a bus service?

  Answer: Buses will run from the finish line to the city centre on race day, dropping off at the Ormeau Avenue (close to the Holiday Inn hotel), which is a 5 minute walk from the City Hall

• Marie Curie Cancer Carie address for monies raised

  Question Asked:where do i send my sponsor funds from 2010 relay marathon for marie curie cancer care?

  Answer: Please send all monies raised from the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care to:-
  
  Marie Curie Cancer Care
  14 Links Place
  Edinburgh
  EH6 9AB
  
  ** Please make sure that all money/cheques etc are marked as coming from the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.