City criticised for failing to 'embrace' marathon

The director of the Dublin City Marathon - which celebrates its 25th running this morning - has criticised the city for failing to "embrace" the annual event.

Mr Jim Aughney, who steps down today after 18 years organising the race, said the benefits the marathon brought to the city were frequently ignored in favour of complaints and other negative sentiment.

"Look at the races in London, New York or Boston; every other city embraces its annual marathon, but for some reason we don't seem to do it. Instead it's 'traffic this, problem that'.

"Here you have 7,000 overseas runners and their trainers and friends coming into Dublin at an off-peak time of the season. You'd think the city would stand up and welcome you with open arms, but instead, everywhere you turn, it's the problems that are highlighted."

The event, which largely runs on the work of hundreds of volunteers, has attracted a near-record field this year, with about 10,500 runners expected to line up at the start on Nassau Street this morning. Today's field is the largest since 1982, when more than 11,000 runners entered and the Dublin marathon was one of the largest in the world.

About 5,500 runners have come from overseas, especially Britain and North America, but the increase in participation is largely explained by large numbers of Irish runners turning out for the 25th anniversary event.

Mr Aughney said the fact that up to 5,000 home-based runners were taking part should see big crowds along the 26.2 mile route.

"I'd encourage people to get out and support the event; it can make such a difference for the runners, all of whom are undertaking a tremendous challenge."

Extensive traffic restrictions will apply throughout the day around the start/finish areas at Nassau Street/Merrion Square, and for more limited periods along the route (see panel).

Met Éireann says the athletes can expect dull and cloudy conditions during the race, with gusty winds and the possibility of showers. The winner of the men's race can be expected to have finished by 11.15 a.m.