Biggest Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon yet

The 13.1 mile race through the city has welcomed a record number of runners to it's streets.

The 13.1 mile race through the city has welcomed a record number of runners to it's streets.
Author: Hannah PattersonPublished 22nd Sep 2024

The Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon has been taking place today.

The 13.1 mile race through the city has welcomed a record number of runners to it's streets.

The event is the biggest edition of the race's 11 year history - with 6,600 runners pounding the pavements today.

6,600 runners crossing the start line at 9am.

The race starts and finishes on Ormeau Embankment, adjacent to Ormeau Park - the oldest municipal park in Belfast and still one of the largest parks in Belfast.

The route is an incredible tour of the capital City, soaking in cultural landmarks like the towering Harland and Wolff Cranes, the vibrant Custom House Square, and the majestic City Hall.

Thousands of supporters were lined up along the Ormeau embankment - with hand made signs supporting their loved ones on the big day after months of training.

Kenya's Barnaba Kipkoech was the first runner to cross the finish line - with an official time of time of 1:03:48.

Kenya's Barnaba Kipkoech was the first runner to cross the finish line - with an official time of time of 1:03:48.

He spoke to us exclusively after the race. We asked him how winning the race felt: "I was confident the whole way through. I didn't feel any pain and I enjoyed the course."

"The crowd was so amazing! Everyone was cheering and clapping for me, saying 'go, go ,go!' They gave me a good end.... I'm so happy."

Natasha Wilson was the women's winner.

Natasha Wilson was the first female finisher to cross the line. She finished the 13.1 mile course in 1:12:47.

The Wales woman has just recovered from an injury - completing the Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon as her first race back in the game.

She spoke to us exclusively after the race: "First race back since injury so it's good to be back."

"It feels pretty good, it's always great to come to Ireland, the crowds are always incredible."

"It was tougher than I thought - I got sold like it was just a hill in the first mile and then flat the rest of the way, but it absolutely wasn't! It was quite hilly the whole way so yes, tougher than I imagined."

"The atmosphere really helped me along... It was really nice and it's great to be back racing!"

Between competitive runners and fun runners - people of all ages and abilities took part in the race. Many raising money for charities close to their heart.