Temperatures are expected to hover around a comfortable 14 to 15 degrees today for the 40,000 plus participants in the annual women’s mini-marathon in Dublin.
The race began at 3pm at Fitzwilliam Square, but given the size of the field some women will not have reached the starting point before others cross the finish line at St Stephen’s Green.
Women of all ages are taking part, many to raise money for charitable causes. Last year, when it is estimated almost €14 million was raised, the oldest participant was Eileen Field (93) from Bray, Co Wicklow.
Among this year’s celebrity participants will be former Miss World Rosanna Davison.
A number of streets will be closed from 6am today in preparation for the event including St Stephen’s Green East and Earlsfort Terrace. St Stephen’s Green South, Merrion Square, Lower Leeson Street, Fitzwilliam Street, Fitzwilliam Place and Hatch Street will be closed from 8am followed by the closure of Kildare Street and St Stephen’s Green North from 12.30pm.
Motorists can also expect traffic diversions along the 10km mini-marathon route as participants move through Mount Street, Northumberland Road, Lansdowne Road, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Merrion Road, Nutley Lane, Stillorgan Road from Belfield to Donnybrook, Donnybrook Village, Morehampton Road and Leeson Street.
Several Dublin Bus routes will alter to facilitate the marathon while seven stations on the dublinbikes scheme will be closed.
Weather forecaster John Eagleton of Met Éireann said it was going to be a mostly dry day in Dublin, though skies may cloud over in the afternoon and “there might be a spot of rain”.