Thousands of runners set off from the Stormont Estate this morning.

Thousands of runners set off from the Stormont Estate this morning.

Best pictures of the 2023 Belfast City Marathon as thousands take to the streets

By Valerie Martin

Published 30th Apr 2023, 19:13 BST

Updated 30th Apr 2023, 19:25 BST

Thousands of people turned out for the Belfast City Marathon on Sunday to cheer on the huge sea of colourful runners and walkers aiming to make it over the finishing line.

Here are some of the best pictures of the day.

Thousands of runners set off from the Stormont Estate this morning.

. Memorable scenes

Thousands of runners set off from the Stormont Estate this morning. Photo: Pacemaker

Runners set off from Stormont.

. A sea of runners

Runners set off from Stormont. Photo: Pacemaker

Paula Green and Chrissy Watt at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

. Ready for the off

Paula Green and Chrissy Watt at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Freedom Runners at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

. One for the album

Freedom Runners at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Caoimhe Conway, Stephen Acheson and Eimear Wilson.

. Getting ready to go

Caoimhe Conway, Stephen Acheson and Eimear Wilson. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Hazel Molloy and Beverly McCullough dressed up for the rain.

. Ready for all weathers

Hazel Molloy and Beverly McCullough dressed up for the rain. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Gibson Brothers Banbridge at the event.

. A team effort

Gibson Brothers Banbridge at the event. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

John McCann gets ready for the race.

. Counting down

John McCann gets ready for the race. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Liam Magee and Gary Magee pose for the camera.

. Taking time out for a photo

Liam Magee and Gary Magee pose for the camera. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Sam Cochrane and David McAuley at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon

. All wrapped up

Sam Cochrane and David McAuley at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Megan McGlinchey and Phil Morton.

. Enjoying the experience

Megan McGlinchey and Phil Morton. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Raising funds for a worthy cause.

. Keep on pushing!

Raising funds for a worthy cause. Photo: Pacemaker Press.

Soaking up the atmosphere of the Belfast City Marathon.

. Enjoying the day

Soaking up the atmosphere of the Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Pacemaker

Taking part in the event.

. Setting the pace

Taking part in the event. Photo: Pacemaker

This group of runners made a colourful appearance.

. In the pink

This group of runners made a colourful appearance. Photo: Pacemaker

Aaron Johnston in full costume for the Belfast City Marathon.

. Cruella and pups

Aaron Johnston in full costume for the Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Colourful headgear and outfits were the order of the day.

. Getting ahead with a hat

Colourful headgear and outfits were the order of the day. Photo: Pacemaker

Joining in the fun of the day.

. Enjoying the experience

Joining in the fun of the day. Photo: Pacemaker

Cancer Focus participants enjoy the day.

. Raising awareness

Cancer Focus participants enjoy the day. Photo: Pacemaker

Stopping for a picture.

. All smiles

Stopping for a picture. Photo: Pacemaker

Runners set off from Stormont.

1. A sea of runners

Runners set off from Stormont. Photo: Pacemaker

Paula Green and Chrissy Watt at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

2. Ready for the off

Paula Green and Chrissy Watt at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Freedom Runners at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

3. One for the album

Freedom Runners at the 2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Photo: Kelvin Boyes

Caoimhe Conway, Stephen Acheson and Eimear Wilson.

4. Getting ready to go

Caoimhe Conway, Stephen Acheson and Eimear Wilson. Photo: Kelvin Boyes