From the Irish Independent......A record number of entrants will take part in Monday's marathon.
Organisers are confident that over 14,000 will start, breaking last year's record of 13,257 and the increased numbers will see the introduction of a 'wave' system at the start for the first time. Wheelchair competitors will set off at 9.45, followed by the elite and the under 3 hours 30 minutes categories at 9.50. Runners who expect to achieve between 3:30-4:15 minutes will start at 9.55, and those who don't expect to break 4:15 will start at 10.0.
"It's a system that has worked very well for us in the National Lottery Summer Race Series and will help us iron out the problems at the early race 'pinch' points we have at the bottom of Dawson Street and at the gate into the Phoenix Park," said Dublin Marathon Race Director Jim Aughney.
For the most part, the marathon course remains the same as usual with the start on Fitzwilliam Street Upper and the finish on Merrion Square North. The only change comes at the Phoenix Park, where road works on Chesterfield Avenue (the main road) mean the route will take the North Road and Ordnance Survey Road before picking up the old route at Upper Glen Road.
A popular addition to the race last year were the Spar Cheering Zones located outside the many Spar shops along the route. Spar staff will again extend their support to runners.
Close up of the start / finish area
