Dublin Marathon 2006: More than 10,000 runners are due to take part in this year's Dublin marathon on Monday.
It is the third consecutive year that the numbers of entries have exceeded the 10,000 mark, with the number of Irish entrants up by 10 per cent on 2005.
There will be severe traffic restrictions in the Merrion Square, Nassau Street, and St Stephen's Green areas of the city, and anyone intending to cross the city is advised to use the M50 and West-Link or the East-Link toll bridges.
Seasoned athletes will be joined in the race by thousands of people raising money for charities.
Among the countries represented in the race are Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Iraq, Bahrain, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
There are around 2,000 British entrants, 1,000 Americans and a large contingent from Canada.
"We are still very much a cosmopolitan marathon," said race director Jim Aughney.
"We have entries from 66 different countries worldwide this year - that's something no other big city marathon achieves.
"But equally satisfying is the increasing number of Irish people, especially women, who are coming back to marathon running year on year."
It is estimated that the marathon is worth more than €15 million to Dublin over the bank holiday weekend.
Organisers last year reckoned that more than €10 million was raised for charitable causes.
Among those running for charity this year will be Today FM presenter Ray D'Arcy and TV3's Aidan Cooney.
D'Arcy is hoping to raise €100,000 for the Little Star Fund.
Listeners to his show have been asked to guess when he will finish the race.
If he beats the clock and comes in within four hours, 20 companies who are supporting him will pay €5,000 each to the charity.
The overall prize-money this year has increased to €106,400, with additional time bonuses, including €3,000 for a new course record. The race will start on Nassau Street at 9am and finish outside the National Gallery on Merrion Square.
The full route and details of road closures are available on www.adidasdublinmarathon.ie