Traffic Information For The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon

Here all of the disruptions and diversions you need to know about for this Sunday's Cork City Marathon.

Due to the scale and route of this phenomenal event there will be some disruption to traffic from 6am to 6pm, as a result of a number of streets and roads being closed to facilitate and celebrate this race. Those traveling in and around Cork city on race day are advised to leave extra time for their journey and plan their route. Delays are particularly expected on areas around Wilton Road and Western Road from 9am-3pm.

The South Ring Road (N40) is the main route to divert around the City. The Jack Lynch Tunnel will be open all day but with lane restrictions between time 8am and 1pm. Access to the City Centre is via the South City Link which will be open all day with lane restrictions from 8am to 1.30 pm.

Where possible it is recommended to park cars at the Black Ash Park & Ride and avail of the bus service which will operate every 10 minutes from 7.30am to 7.15pm into the city centre. A full list of road closures and restrictions are available on the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon website – www.corkcitymarathon.ie.

With 9am on Patrick Street marking the start of the full marathon and first leg of the team relay, and 10.45am on Monahan Road as the start of the half marathon, there are a field of amazing athletes taking part in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon. Trying to make his place in history, John Mullee running on behalf of Team Tracey, will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Marathon Dressed As A Star Wars Character, raising much-needed funds for Cork Arc Cancer Support. Dressed as a Stormtrooper, we hope the force is with him as he takes to the start line. A man with his eyes firmly on the finish line is Boston Firefighter Greg MacCurtain, great grandnephew of the former Lord Mayor of Cork Tomás MacCurtain, who is running his first ever marathon with his gorgeous 6-year-old daughter Abby, in a Team Hoyt Running Chair. Abby is battling Leigh’s Disease, which is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system – but will not stop her from taking to the streets of Cork this Sunday for the marathon!

Recognised for its inclusivity, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is more than a marathon. It’s for runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It is for those looking for a way to get fit, to set a new personal best; a way to raise money for a local charity or a fun day out with family and friends. To become part of this fantastic event you do not need to be participating; supporters and spectators play just as important a role in this momentous day. We would encourage the people of Cork and those visiting the city, to take to the streets in support of these fantastic athletes, giving them a real Cork welcome. It is the cheers from the crowds which give participants that extra drive they need to get them over the finish line.

Speaking ahead of race day, Race Director, Jim O’Donovan wished all participants the very best of luck and an enjoyable day on the streets of Cork: “The marathon team and I are thrilled with the number of seasoned and first-time participants who have registered for this year’s Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge. We wish all participants the very best of luck as they take to the start line and wish them a happy and safe race. As always, I trust the Cork people will show their support with loud cheering voices along the route. Lastly, I would like to thank our over 500 volunteers located around the course, from race stewards and officials to water-station staff and medical responders, who work tirelessly to make this event a success. The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon would not be possible without their continued generosity. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the starting line this Sunday.”

This event is unlike others, as the whole city comes alive and gets behind participants to show their support. Hotels, restaurants and bars across the city are offering numerous food and drinks deals to participants who show their medal. Moving the traditional race day from Monday to Sunday allows participants an opportunity to celebrate their great accomplishment that evening and gives athletes a day to rest and recover before heading back to their nine-to-five on Tuesday.

For participation information such as registration locations and times, race day check-list and for all traffic restrictions, please visit www.corkcitymarathon.ie. Share your Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon race day story on Facebook and Instagram\corkcitymarathon or on Twitter @TheCorkMarathon #MoreThanAMarathon

-Ends-

Issued on behalf of Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon

By

Hopkins Communications, Media House, Crawford Business Park, Crosses Green, Cork

For further media information including imagery please contact:

Fiona Ryan, Hopkins Communications

T: 021-5005994 M:087 7717706 E: fiona@hopkinscommunications.ie

Notes to Editor:

About the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon

The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was revived in 2007 after a break of 21 years. It reflected a growing interest or a rekindling of interest in road running that had peaked in the mid-1980s but had waned in the intervening years.

One of the innovations in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was the inclusion of a Team Relay challenge, with teams of between two and five members combining to cover the 26.2 mile distance. In 2013, a Youth Team Relay was introduced, providing an opportunity for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 to participate in what is one of the most challenging and rewarding sporting and personal achievements.

Full list of road closures and travel advice for Sunday 4^th June 2017

Travel Advice:

General advice is to expect delays and leave extra time for your journey. Road closures commence at 8am and the race starts at 9am on Patrick’s Street. Patrick’s Street and surrounding city centre streets will be closed until 6pm. Delays are particularly expected on areas around Wilton Road and Western Road from 9am-3pm.

The South Ring Road (N40) is the main route to divert around the city. The Jack Lynch Tunnel will be open all day with lane restrictions between time 8am and 1pm.

Going North - use the Jack Lynch Tunnel for the Dublin Road or use the Ballincollig Link Road at Poulavone N22, by the Anglers Rest and through Leemount Cross to Blarney for Mallow and Limerick.

Going South - use the North Ring Road to the Jack Lynch Tunnel. The Lower Glanmire Road will be open outbound only from Silversprings to the Jack Lynch Tunnel. Alternatively use the Blarney to the Anglers Rest, Ballincollig to Curraheen for the South Ring Road route.

The Carrigrohane Straight Road is closed inbound from 10am to 5pm. The road will be open outbound but delays are expected particularly between 11.30 am and 2pm

Access to the City Centre is via the South City Link which will be open all day with lane restrictions from 8am to 1.30 pm. Only after 11 am will vehicles will be able to travel over Patrick’s Bridge to MacCurtain Street. From 2pm all City centre bridges will be open except North Gate Bridge (Griffiths Bridge).

The Lower Glanmire Road will be closed in bound from approximately 8am to 2pm.

The Midleton -Cork Road from Dunkettle Interchange will be closed inbound from approximately 8am to 2pm

Access to Kent Station- due to the proximity of the race to the station between 8am and 11am patrons will have to walk from Brian Boru Bridge or Summerhill North Junction with the Lower Glanmire Road to the Train station, please leave extra time for your journey if you are travelling between these times.

Cork Airport - access from the Northside use either the Jack Lynch Tunnel or Blarney to Anglers Rest Route to the Kinsale Road Roundabout.

ROAD RE-OPENING SCHEDULE (times are approximate)

Road closures begin at 6am on St Patrick’s Street and adjoining streets.

All other closures are put in place from 8am.