The 44th Annual Belfast City Marathon Begins

May 3, 2026, 09:19
EuropeSports

Introduction

The 44th Belfast City Marathon has started, with approximately 24,000 registered runners taking part in the 26.2-mile race.

Main Body

The event first began in 1982 with more than 3,000 participants. According to official records, the 43rd race in 2025 set a new course record of 2:13:37, which was achieved by Ethiopian athlete Tilahun Nigussie. This year's race started at the Stormont estate, with different start times for wheelchair users, elite runners, and general participants beginning at 08:59 BST. The route passes through important city landmarks, such as Parliament Buildings and City Hall, before finishing at Ormeau Park. Furthermore, some small changes were made to the route in east and north Belfast to improve the flow of the race. Many participants are using the event to raise money for charity, specifically for medical and mental health organizations. These include the Irish Heart Foundation, Brave Hearts NI, and The Big C Foundation. For example, former professional boxer Ryan Burnett is competing to honor Ricky Hatton, while actress Laura Aiken is supporting a crisis text line. To accommodate the race, city transport has been significantly changed. A system of staggered road closures is in place, and Ravenhill Road is expected to reopen at 15:45. To prevent transport problems, special train services from Londonderry, Larne, Bangor, and Newry were provided to Lanyon Place. Additionally, a shuttle bus network has been set up to help athletes and spectators move between the start and finish lines.

Conclusion

The event is still ongoing, and road closures and public transport delays are expected to continue until the final parts of the course are cleared.

Learning

⚑ The 'B2 Leap': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated Connections

At the A2 level, we often use basic words like and, but, and because. To move toward B2, you need Connectorsβ€”words that act as bridges to make your writing flow like a professional journalist.

πŸ›  The Upgrade Map

Look at how the article evolves from simple information to a complex narrative:

  • Instead of "Also" β†’\rightarrow Use "Furthermore"

    • A2 style: "The race is in the city. Also, some roads are closed."
    • B2 style: "The route passes through important city landmarks. Furthermore, some small changes were made to the route..."
    • Why? It signals to the reader that you are adding a high-value point to your argument.

  • Instead of "Especially" β†’\rightarrow Use "Specifically"

    • A2 style: "They are raising money, especially for health."
    • B2 style: "Many participants are using the event to raise money for charity, specifically for medical and mental health organizations."
    • Why? It provides precision. It moves from a 'general idea' to a 'exact detail'.

  • Instead of "And" (for lists) β†’\rightarrow Use "Additionally"

    • A2 style: "There are trains. And there are buses."
    • B2 style: "Special train services... were provided. Additionally, a shuttle bus network has been set up."
    • Why? It prevents your sentences from sounding like a grocery list.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: The 'Symmetry' Secret

Notice the phrase "To accommodate the race..." and "To prevent transport problems...".

B2 speakers often start sentences with To + Verb to explain the purpose before the action.

Try this shift:

  • ❌ I study English to get a better job. (A2 - Simple)
  • βœ… To get a better job, I study English. (B2 - Sophisticated/Emphasis)

Vocabulary Learning

registered (adj.)
Having signed up or enrolled for an event.
Example:The 24,000 registered runners were ready to start.
participants (noun)
People who take part in an event.
Example:The marathon had more than 3,000 participants in 1982.
record (noun)
The best or fastest time achieved in a competition.
Example:The 43rd race set a new course record.
achieved (v.)
Successfully completed or obtained.
Example:The record was achieved by Tilahun Nigussie.
wheelchair (noun)
A chair with wheels used by people who cannot walk.
Example:Different start times were set for wheelchair users.
elite (adj.)
Top-level or best in a particular field.
Example:Elite runners began at 08:59 BST.
landmarks (noun)
Famous or important buildings or places.
Example:The route passes through important city landmarks.
improve (v.)
Make something better.
Example:Small changes were made to improve the flow of the race.
flow (noun)
The movement or progress of something.
Example:The changes were made to improve the flow of the race.
charity (noun)
An organization that helps people in need.
Example:Many participants raise money for charity.
medical (adj.)
Relating to health or doctors.
Example:The charities include medical and mental health organizations.
mental (adj.)
Related to the mind or emotions.
Example:The charities include medical and mental health organizations.
organizations (noun)
Groups that work together for a purpose.
Example:The charities include several organizations.
professional (adj.)
Having skills or training for a job.
Example:Former professional boxer Ryan Burnett is competing.
boxer (noun)
A person who fights in boxing.
Example:Ryan Burnett is a former professional boxer.
honor (v.)
To show respect or admiration for someone.
Example:He is competing to honor Ricky Hatton.
actress (noun)
A woman who performs in movies or plays.
Example:Actress Laura Aiken is supporting a crisis text line.
supporting (v.)
Helping or giving assistance to.
Example:She is supporting a crisis text line.
crisis (noun)
A serious or dangerous situation.
Example:The crisis text line helps people in distress.
text (noun)
A written message sent electronically.
Example:The crisis text line is accessed via text.