FAQs 

Can I take part in any of the Marathon, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk or Half Marathon events with a pushchair, dog or wheeled device?

No participant may bring dogs, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, hand cycles, unauthorised bicycles or any other wheeled device on the course. 

In line with UK Athletics guidance, only hand propelled wheelchairs and aided / pushed wheelchairs are permitted - wheelchair and aided / pushed wheelchair participants MUST contact the event organisers in advance to secure permission and to complete a risk assessment. Wheelchair and aided / pushed wheelchair participants must start to at the back of the race, and the device must meet UK Athletics requirements.

Can my assistant/guide to run with me?

If running with a guide/assistant, please contact the marathon office. A carer, guide or any other runner in a support role is eligible for one complimentary entry. You MUST contact the marathon office prior to the entry deadline date or you will not be able to take part.

Can I run with headphones?

In ear headphones are not permitted.  Bone conducting headphones such as Aftershokz are allowed.  Please see the Athletics Northern Ireland rule on in-ear or over the ear headphones as of 1st January 2018.  

Do I need to complete the event in a given time?

Yes participants must complete the Marathon race or Team Relay within 6 hours, the 8 Mile Walk event within 2 hours and 30 minutes and the Half Marathon within 3 hours.

Each participant must only enter if they recognise that they make their best efforts in training for and completing the race in the allocated time limit.  This is because roads closed for the event need to be reopened to schedule.  There will be a tail vehicle to transport runners who are failing to keep with required pace.  If you refuse to board the tail vehicle when asked the organiser will no longer accept liability for your welfare.  At this point you are no longer part of the race.

Can I walk the 26.2 miles main marathon event?

Yes, but it must be completed in under 6 hours. Alternatively, there is an 8 Mile Walk event option. 

Can I run the 8 Mile Walk event?

No, this is a walking event only with designated walk checkpoints.  Anyone attempting to run this event may be disqualified on the day.

Can I walk the Half Marathon event?

No, the half marathon race is a competitive event and must be completed in under 3 hours.   

What are the Team Relay changeover points? 

The Team Relay consists of 5 legs, of varying distance, with changeover points across the route.

LEG 1: Stormont Estate - Montgomery Road, 4.6 miles.

LEG 2: Montgomery Road - Boucher Road, 6.8 miles.

LEG 3: Boucher Road - Falls Road, 4.2 miles.

LEG 4: Falls Road - North Queen Street, 5.4 miles.

LEG 5: North Queen Street - Ormeau Park 5.2 miles.

Can I amend / transfer my entry?

If you would like to transfer your entry to another person/group, you can do so via the manage my booking facility on Eventmaster. This can be done free of charge however there will be a chargeable transfer window as race day gets closer.

MARATHON, TEAM RELAY & 8 MILE WALK - From 1st April to the 30th April a £5 transfer fee will be applied. 

HALF MARATHON - From 19th August to 17th September a £5 transfer fee will be applied. 

Can I cancel my entry?

Belfast City Marathon operates a strict no refund policy. If you decide to cancel your entry, you accept that all entry fees are non-refundable and may not be deferred towards a future event.

If you need to defer your place to the following year due to injury, you must send a medical certificate from your GP or Physio directly to the Marathon Office on info@belfastcitymarathon.org. This must be done 2 weeks prior to Race Day for each Event for consideration by the Event Manager. 

The sale, swapping or bartering of a Belfast City Marathon or Half Marathon entry is strictly forbidden.

*Please note transfers and deferrals are only valid for 1 year

Will there be pacers at the Marathon and Half Marathon?

Yes, meet our pacers for both events HERE.

What happens if Belfast City Marathon cancels the event?

Belfast City Marathon may cancel the Event if circumstances beyond their control arise, including, without limitation, war, epidemic, civil or political unrest, terrorism or inclement weather conditions. In such circumstances we will contact you via email, mobile phone, text message, television and radio broadcast. You will receive a refund of the fee if it was you that paid it, unless you choose another option that the company offers (e.g. deferment or virtual). Refund of entry fees are only valid for 8 weeks after announcement of cancellation. 

In the event of a cancellation of the Event/entry, Belfast City Marathon will have no responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of the cancellation which may include travel or accommodation costs.

Where can I find terms and conditions of entry?

When registering for any of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon events, terms and conditions are available to view and must be accepted by each participant before processing an entry.  A copy of these terms and conditions can also be found HERE.

What is the difference between an Affiliated (registered) runner and non Affiliated (unregistered) runner?

If you hold a valid Athletics membership in the UK and Ireland, you are eligible for a discount and can register the Marathon or Half Marathon events as an Affiliated (registered) runner.   

Is the marathon race AIMS certified?

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon 26.2 miles course is AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certified. Competitors must start at the official start Line and complete the full officially measured course. Competitors must start the event at an officially sanctioned start time only.

When can I expect to receive my race pack/race number?

No packs will be posted for the 2023 events. An expo and pack collection will be hosted. Details will be issued to participants in advance of the race.

Where can I find my QR code for pack collection?

The QR code is sent in the initial sign up email. This will allow you to pack up your race pack on the given pack collection date(s). 

Disqualification

Disqualification can be enforced upon the partaking of any of the following: Urination in any area other than that of designated toilets on route, Swapping numbers, Deviation from run route, Tampering with timing chip, Refusing to obey the instruction of race official, or who conducts themselves in unsportsmanlike manner, or who uses offensive actions or language to race officials, volunteers, participants, or spectators.

NI Finisher Prize 

To qualify for the Northern Ireland Finisher Prize, the runner must qualify in one of the following ways: 

1. Have been living in Northern Ireland for at least a year

OR

2. Have been born in Northern Ireland 

When registering please clarify if you are eligible for NI prizes or let us know by contacting info@belfastcitymarathon.org


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