15,000 take part in Belfast marathon

Over 15,000 people took to the streets of Belfast today for the city’s May Day marathon.

Over 15,000 people took to the streets of Belfast today for the city’s May Day marathon.

The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon brings together serious athletes and fun runners for the 27th annual event.

All runs will be began at Belfast City Hall and  finishes in Ormeau Park.

Kenya's John Mutai and Ethiopia's Marashet Jumma both successfully defended their Belfast Marathon titles today. Mutai won the men's race in a time of two hours 16 minutes and 31 seconds while Jumma's won the women's race in two hours 39 minutes.

Over 1,900 runners took part in the main marathon.

Most runners today are taking part in the relay event and 1,800 teams have registered. They are being joined by some 2,000 walkers and 1,500 people taking part in the Fun Run.

More than 14,300 people took part in the marathon last year which raised £30,000 (€38,000) for the Down's Syndrome Association. This year's official charity is the British Red Cross.