Thousands to cheer on thousands in today's Waterside Half Marathon

A record entry is set to compete in today's Waterside Half Marathon taking place in Derry.

Two thousand competitors are set to gather at the starting line in Ebrington Square with thousands of spectators expected to line the new riverside route which, for the first time, takes in the city side.

Gary Murray, who teaches in St Joseph's Boys School in the city but runs for Belfast St Malachy's, won last year’s event in 68 minutes 01 second.

However, that time is in danger of being smashed as among this year’s competitors is Kenyan Freddy Sittuk, the back-to-back winner of the recent Walled City Marathon.

Competitors will leave Ebrington Square at 10.00am and cross Foyle Bridge and head towards Coshowen (Foyle Road) before turning back to cross the Peace Bridge for a final dash to the finish on the St Columb’s Park running track.

A 2k family fun run will take place at 10.15am.

It will also leave Ebrington Square and finish in St Columb’s Park.