Thousands take to streets to run the 44th Belfast City Marathon

The 2026 Belfast City Marathon was won in dramatic circumstances, with the winner coming home one second ahead of his nearest rival.

Abay Alemu, from Ethiopia, came over the finish line in a time of 2:16:23 to take this year's title.

That was ahead of his fellow countryman Teadese Mamo.

The honours in the women's race went to Morocco's Aziza Alaoui Selsouli in a time of 2:38:00, and Jayne Bleakley won the Wheelchair Race in a time of 2:32:39.

Nearly 24,000 people signed up for the 44th edition of the marathon.

Many main roads closed and there have been alterations to public transport for much of Sunday while the event takes place.