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Yesterday β€” 5 May 2026Main stream

Pub toasts Ipswich success with record beer levels

Tristan Finbow is standing near a lorry loaded with kegs of beer. He has short, brown hair and is wearing a black hoodie.
Tristan Finbow says his pub ordered in a record quantity of beer ahead of Ipswich Town's big match on Saturday [Darren Rozier/BBC]

A pub toasted Ipswich Town's return to the Premier League by ordering record quantities of beer for supporters.

Isaacs on the Quay brought in 220 kegs ahead of the Tractor Boys' promotion-clinching win at Portman Road on Saturday.

Some of the triumphant players later came to the waterfront venue to celebrate, spraying beer over jubilant fans.

Tristan Finbow, one of the pub's managers said: "Without days like Saturday, we might not still be here."

He said the amount of alcohol stashed inside the pub had been "the most we've had for a while".

"Growing up in Ipswich - ignoring the business side - it's phenomenally exciting being a Town fan, but from the business aspect, it's brilliant as well," Finbow added.

Ipswich celebrate after beating QPR to seal promotion from the Championship
Ipswich celebrated after beating QPR to seal promotion from the Championship [Shutterstock]

To cope with the surge in customers, the venue "roughly doubled" the number of staff working on Saturday.

Finbow had warned them to expect "very long hours" while the Suffolk town was in fever pitch.

Some fans who did not manage to secure a golden ticket for the match against QPR gathered inside Isaacs to watch it on TV.

After Ipswich scored two goals inside the first 10 minutes, Finbow said "people started enjoying themselves" and had a "very, very good day".

They were later joined by the players themselves, who came to celebrate in style.

"The videos of those guys singing on the balcony and spraying beer over the customers is fantastic," the pub manager added.

"Without days like Saturday we might not still be here. The big days are really what keep a lot of pubs going.

"I'm not saying we can have a promotion every single year, but it really does help."

Asked what might be the next goal, he quipped: "We can be in Europe - that's the aim."

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Wolves offers fans mental health training

Molineux as seen from the outside. The words Billy Wright Stand are on the side of that stand, which is side on to the camera, while seats in another stand within the stadium are visible in the distance.
The club said the training was about fans looking out for each other [BBC]

Wolverhampton Wanderers is inviting fans to take part in a wellbeing and mental health training session at Molineux.

The club and its charity, the Wolves Foundation, will be hosting the session on Friday at 18:00 BST, giving supporters training on practical ways to support fellow fans.

Lisa Carter, head of safeguarding at the club, said: "We want to support fans in breaking the stigma around mental health, understand how to spot when someone might be struggling and learning simple, practical ways to support each other on match days.

"Small actions could change someone's day and maybe even save a life."

The training is being delivered jointly by the club's safeguarding team, the Wolves Foundation and their partners Samaritans, and will touch on the Premier League funded Together Against Suicide matchday support programme.

Carter said one of the key messages was the power of small talk.

She said: "At Wolves we're encouraging everyone to use the Black Country phrase, 'how am ya?'

"It sounds simple but that quick hello or check-in can make someone feel noticed, valued and less alone.

"You don't need to be a professional to make a difference, sometimes it's just noticing someone's a bit quieter than usual, saying hello or taking a moment to listen."

There are a limited number of spaces for this session available on a first come first served basis, with supporters able to sign up here.

Carter added: "We want to build as many fans' confidence up as possible so they can support their mates and help make Molineux, a place where everyone feels seen and heard."

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In Pictures: Relive Coventry City's promotion party

Thousands of people crowd around a bus surrounded on all sides by police officers in high-vis jackets. many of the people are carrying flares giving off lots of blue smoke. Many are also carrying light blue Coventry City flags. At the centre is the open top bus with the team at the top. At thr front is a sign, reading: "We are back"
[PA Media]

More than 50,000 people turned out to celebrate in Coventry's War Memorial Park as the Sky Blues celebrated winning the Championship title.

Thousands more lined the streets as the team showed off the trophy having claimed the top spot 11 points ahead of Ipswich.

It means the club will return to the Premier League next season after a 25-year absence.

Fans standing on make-do platforms to get a better view. One is carrying a Coventry City flag
[BBC]
The bus leaving the CBS Arena with a large crowd behind fencing on the right
[PA Media]
Fans lining the street as the bus approaches, with police in front of it in high-vis jackets. One young fan in the foreground on the left is on an adult's shoulders
[PA Media]
Coventry City owner Doug King holding Frank Lampard's arm aloft, while holding a microphone on stage. Several members of the team are behind them, with a giant screen in the background
[PA Media]

Speaking to BBC Radio CWR, club chairman Doug King said Monday's celebrations summed up why he had bought the club

"This was my day today... this is why I did it. It was massive," he said.

"It's been bigger than I thought it would be."

Jamie Allen is on a team-mate's shoulders, holding the Championship trophy aloft on stage. Lots of other players are in the background, smiling
[PA Media]
A players view from the stage at War Memorial Park. Thousands of fans are behind barriers, looking towards the stage
[PA Media]
Tom Grennan is wearing a light brown jacket and holding a red BBC CWR microphone. He is speaking to radio presenter Lorna  Bailey, who is in a denim jacket and holding two microphones. there is a TV camera on the right and yellow demountables and white marquees in background
[BBC]

Singer Tom Grennan said he "fell in love" with Coventry City when he first went to watch them 10 years ago.

"This city has taken me in and called me one of their own, and it doesn't ever get better than that. Every time I'm down here I feel like I'm from Cov," he said.

BBC CWR sports presenter Rob Gurney has his right arm around Brandon Thomas-Asante. Both are sporting light blue bucket hats
[BBC]
Frank Lampard is on stage with his hands on the shoulders of midfielder Josh Eccles
[PA Media]

Addressing the crowd at a raucous War Memorial Park, Sky Blues coach Frank Lampard said the turnout and the fans' response had been "amazing" and it had meant a lot to him and all the players.

Band The Enemy are on stage performing. One is holding a green guitar singing into a microphone, while another in a red t-shirt is playing a bass. In the background is a screen reading: The Enemy. Monitor speakers are in the foreground on the front of the stage
[BBC]
A member of the The Enemy holding a bass guitar and wearing a bright red t-shirt and blue jeans grinning on stage
[BBC]
A sea of fans dressed in sky blue can be seen from the stage as the team holds the Championship cup
[Coventry City Council]
Blue fireworks go off behind the stage at the Memorial Park event
[Coventry City Council]

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Before yesterdayMain stream

Racing driver 'lucky to be alive' after crash

A racing driver from Crawley says he feels "lucky to be alive" after a crash in which he lost consciousness.

Charlie Hand suffered concussion in a three-car collision at Donington Park in the Power Maxed Mini Challenge, in April.

He was seen unconscious on the track as paramedics treated him during the televised race, and thanked the marshals who came to his aid.

He said: "I remember sitting there in the car and trying to climb myself out and I lost consciousness."

He remembered seeing "about 15 sets of eyes looking at me asking if I'm alright", which he said was reassuring.

"To have a big crash like this and to walk away still in one piece, I consider myself lucky, definitely," he added.

Now, he says it is a race against time to get himself and the car – which was seriously damaged – ready to race at Brands Hatch, his home track, on 9 and 10 May.

He added: "It's a race to try and get it repaired.

"I'm not really worried about me to be honest, I'm more worried about the car, but that's just my mentality."

As a "privateer" driver, he doesn't have the staff or budget of the larger teams, so their two mechanics have been working around the clock to repair the car.

Every car on the grid is a Mini, though they have different specifications, and the Mini Challenge follows the British Touring Cars league, taking place before the main event.

Charlie works at Brands Hatch training young drivers, alongside his main job as a window fitter.

He said the amount of support and care he got from those first on the scene was "amazing".

"Seeing a driver get out of the car and immediately collapsing on the floor is not a nice sight, so I can't thank the marshals and the doctors enough," he added.

"It's top of the line care. You can't really get much safer if you were in a hospital, it's basically a mini-hospital inside the track."

New location for summer festival of football

An FC IOM player kicks the ball while another player runs along behind him watching it.
FC Isle of Man have hosted the festival at The Bowl in Douglas for the past two years [Hannah McHugh]

A summer festival of football is set to return to the Isle of Man in July, but this time in the north of the island.

Hosted by FC Isle of Man, the event takes place between 17 and 19 July, with all matches played at Ramsey's Ballacloan Stadium.

The festival will see the island welcome back National League North side Radcliffe Borough for the third time, alongside League Two side Shrewsbury Town and Northern Premier League Division One West's Bury FC.

Organisers said the relocation to the north of the island was to allow those taking part and visiting to plan after uncertainty over the availability of the Ravens' home stadium of The Bowl on the dates.

Festival schedule

Friday, 17 July: Radcliffe vs. Shrewsbury Town (15:30 BST) & FC Isle of Man vs. Bury (19:30)

Sunday, 19 July: Third-Place Playoff (11:00) & Grand Final (15:00)

FC Isle of Man, who play in the North West Counties League Premier Division, have hosted the festival for the past two years to provide pre-season warm-up games for the teams and fans.

Director of football for the club, Lee Dixon, said the island's northern town had a "brilliant stadium" and a "great pitch" and moving the festival reinforced the Ravens' place as a club for the whole island.

"The Manx community is obviously not just Douglas, not just The Bowl, this is taking it out to another place like Ramsey," he said.

"Hopefully all the bars and restaurants and shops get to benefit from that and we'll have a very busy Ramsey on July 17th and 19th."

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Tour de France UK's impact 'overridingly positive'

Cyclists climbing up a narrow street which has stone buildings on either side. Crowds line the street, a few holding Union Jack flags. There is bunting above the street further down the street which is the bottom of the road.
The Tour de France will come to Cumbria for the first time in 2027 [PA Media]

The Tour de France's return to the UK in 2027 will be a "monumental moment", one of the organisers said.

It will mark the first time the race has come to Cumbria, with thousands of people expected to line the streets.

Stage one of the men's race will finish in Carlisle on 2 July, while stage two will start in Keswick and pass Windermere the next day.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, said he was currently working with the local authorities to tackle potholes on the race route, as well as alleviating parking concerns for residents.

The race usually sees about 200 cyclists compete over 2,000 miles (3,218 km) in 21 stages.

It will be the fifth time the UK has partly staged the men's event after 1974, 1994, 2007 and 2014.

During the second stage, competitors will pass through Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere before heading through Lancashire to Liverpool.

'Safe environment'

Dutton said British Cycling was busy planning the event and working with both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Council.

"This is bigger and will be better than ever before," he said.

"This is massive and it'd be great to hear the excitement, the enthusiasm and I guess some of the concerns and trepidation ahead what is just a monumental moment for Cumbria."

People living in Keswick told BBC Radio Cumbria they were excited for such a large event to come to the county.

However, some have raised concerns about parking around the town, as well as the potholes on the roads.

The Tour de France with a large crowd of cyclists climbing up a road. They are all wearing different colour jerseys and helmets. Crowds line the street, some holding up French flags. There are houses on the right side of the photograph.
Work is under way to fill in the potholes on the route [ASO & Charly LΓ³pez]

The women's Tour will get under way on 30 July in Leeds and head to Manchester. Riders will leave Manchester for a second stage through the Peak District to Sheffield, before the final stage in London on 1 August.

2027 will be the first time the men's and women's Grand Departs have taken place in the same country outside France, and it will mark the first time the Tour de France Femmes has ever started outside mainland Europe.

"We mustn't underestimate the amount of people that are going to line the side of the road - we expect 12 million people will watch the race across the six stages" Dutton said.

"So lots of planning, lots of communication, inevitably closing the roads, creating a safe environment for the riders will have an impact but we hope that the impact will be overridingly positive.

"It will bring joy, it will bring that economic boost and this is just such a wonderful moment for everyone across the UK."

Duddon added everyone was working to make sure the route was safe, which would also improve the roads in the long-term for motorists as well as cyclists.

People in Cumbria and further afield have already been given the opportunity to get involved with the race.

Earlier this week, a competition launched for students enrolled on art, design, graphics, creative and photography courses to design the official poster for the UK stages.

The competition opens on Monday.

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Fans react to 'nerve-wracking' United promotion

Fans celebrating inside the stadium - with one fan in a yellow and black jersey sitting on the shoulder of another fan.
Fans have been celebrating since Saturday's match [PA Media]

Celebrations are taking place across the city after Cambridge United secured automatic promotion from League Two.

A goalless draw at Crewe Alexandra secured a place for Neil Harris's team in League One on Saturday.

Supporters travelling back from Cheshire described a mix of relief and excitement, with a missed penalty from Ben Knight adding late drama before celebrations began at full-time.

Speaking after the game, fan Nadine Gooding said: "We've got a two-and-a-half-hour drive home with our three kids - chanting all the way. Maybe trying not to explain some of the swear words we heard in the game.

"It's an amazing result. Very excited, very happy that we're in League One next year.

"We didn't do it the easy way. I genuinely didn't think we were going to do it."

Fans in amber and black United colours seen walking on the pitch with happy, emotional expressions.
Some fans said the game was "emotionally draining" [PA Media]

Andy Bourne described the game as a "nerve-wracking" end to a "pretty strong season".

"It's all sinking in to be honest. How did we not score? I don't know, but the job is done, so brilliant," he said.

"It's going to be tough in League One, but I think if we regroup, especially if we've got Harris, we should do alright."

'Emotionally draining'

Adrian Brown has been a United supporter for about 30 years and also praised the manager.

"It was an absolutely terrible game. They gave it to us, I think, rather than us winning it," he said.

"Over the season though, I think we deserved it, maybe even deserved better. Some results could have gone our way and didn't."

John and Nicola Bowyer said the game was "emotionally and mentally draining" for fans.

"Typical Cambridge United β€” nervy finish. We always do things the hard way," the pair said.

"I've been a fan since I was about six, it's never easy. You've got to bottle these moments and relive them," they added.

"I'm so pleased for the players, for Neil Harris, and for the club. They've restructured things really well. It's a brilliant day for us."

'Need a striker'

Michael Charge, who had travelled from Malta to support the team, said he was "delighted" and "buzzing" at the return to the third flight, having been relegated last year.

"It was nail-biting, an emotional rollercoaster. I'll head back to my hotel tonight and fly back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to League One, even if it costs me a bit more in travel," he said.

"Harris has done the job. We had doubts when he came back, but you can't ask for more than promotion.

"Next year though, we need a striker. Someone who can score goals. None of us want to go through that again."

Michael Morrison holding a silver shield with other team-mates standing behind him celebrating.
Captain Michael Morrison celebrated with his Cambridge team-mates after sealing promotion to League One [PA Media]

Coach Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire "it was a tough game" and that he is "proud of the team".

"We weren't the better team, but we had the better chances, even in the 96th minute, to win it outright," he said.

Earlier this year, the club said it was "open-minded" about moving to a new stadium in the long-term, if redevelopment of their Abbey Stadium was not possible.

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Town heroes set for bus parade and park celebration

Ipswich Town will celebrate their return to the Premier League with a Bank Holiday Monday bus parade, it has been confirmed.

The Blues bounced straight back to the top flight at the first time of asking following a 3-0 win against QPR on Saturday in the final game of the Championship season.

And it has been confirmed there will be a bus parade leaving Portman Road stadium at 11:30 BST that is expected to arrive at Christchurch Park at 12:00, where a celebratory event will be held.

Ipswich Borough Council said it would be a chance for players, supporters and residents "to come together and celebrate".

The club said the route would follow Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Portman Road, Handford Road, Civic Drive, Crown Street, Soane Street, Bolton Lane and the bus would enter the park via the Westerfield Road.

Big screens will be placed in the park, which will show the bus en-route, with coverage beginning at 11:00.

Those with access requirements will be able to use a designated viewing area in front of one of the screens, the club said.

Manager Kieran McKenna and players would address supporters. The celebrations were expected to conclude by 13:00.

The route is the same one taken for the parade that followed promotion to the Premier League in May 2024.

That day saw the jubilant players downing beers as they were joined on a double-decker bus by Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley.

Overjoyed fans packed pavements and followed the bus as it made its way slowly through the town.

A council statement said: "We are thrilled to be hosting a parade on Monday 4th May through the town followed by a celebration event in Christchurch Park to mark Ipswich Town Football Club's promotion to the Premier League, and to give fans the chance to come together and celebrate.

"We look forward to welcoming players, supporters, and residents for a fantastic community celebration."

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'Setting world records has become annual tradition'

Setting one world record is an achievement most people would be thrilled with. For Matthew Akpan, securing his first was the start of an "annual tradition" - breaking seven records in six years.

According to the 37-year-old from Leeds, racking up Guinness World Records is not just about earning plaudits, but a way to show "no matter what label or what condition you have, you can be measured to anyone else in the world".

In 2013, Akpan was diagnosed with autism, with speech and language learning difficulties having been identified while he was at primary school.

He first found a love of running during his school years - although it was not until adulthood that he got serious.

After finding Parkrun and joining a running club, he started to "push" himself, he says.

"My life became structured around the running and that's where it was invaluable.

"Without that structure, I don't know if I would have achieved what I had done.

"If the running needs are sorted, then other things are not less important, but a bit easier to manage."

In 2021, Akpan combined his passion for the sport with his other love - WWE wrestling - to set his first world record completing a marathon dressed as John Cena, the wrestler-turned-Hollywood actor.

The challenge, finished in two hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds, was in memory of his father, who died earlier the same year of kidney failure.

"We were very close and we always watched WWE wrestling together," Akpan explains.

"I think my dad would be laughing from the grave that I'd done something like that for him. So I felt like it was a perfect tribute."

'Running kept me on the right path'

Inspired by people's reaction to his achievement, Akpan started using the sporting stunts as a way to raise awareness of autism and other disabilities, as well as funds for charity.

"I thought it was going to be one and done, but it's become an annual tradition now," he says.

His most recent record came last Sunday at the London Marathon, where he set a new time for the fastest man with an intellectual impairment at the event, at 3 hours, 19 minutes and 16 seconds.

Although it was his "slowest marathon time ever" due to the heat, he says, it had been a good experience - although he did encounter new challenges.

"I found the run more difficult because it was like there was a lot of hustle and bustle, weaving in and out of people," he says.

"Any sort of little feeling - and that may be something to do with being autistic - but anything that puts you off unintentionally can be very disrupting."

He was also among the record 59,830 finishers at this year's London event.

Other feats include fastest half marathon dressed as a professional wrestler, gained in Leeds in 2022, and fastest man with an intellectual impairment at a 2025 half-marathon in Newcastle.

He put his wrestling knowledge to further good use, naming the most wrestlers under a minute by theme tune alone - twice - but this niche record has since been broken.

When he is not busy setting records, Akpan works as a teaching assistant at a school for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

His job allows him to share his story as a way to inspire young people to find their hobby or interest "that could push you into the next level", he says.

For him, it was putting on a pair of trainers and getting the miles in his legs.

"Running was always there, it never discriminated against you, it never worked against you," he says.

"It was always about you and seeing how much you could do really and get better.

"It just helped me continue on the path that I knew was right for me."

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Belfast Marathon champ wins race by a second

There was a nail-biting sprint finish to the 2026 Belfast City Marathon, with the winner pipping his nearest rival to the post by one second.

Abay Alemu, from Ethiopia, crossed the line in a time of 2:16:23 to take this year's crown ahead of his fellow countryman Teadese Mamo.

The women's race was won by Morocco's Aziza Alaoui Selsouli in a time of 2:38:00, and Jayne Bleakley won the Wheelchair Race in a time of 2:32:39.

The elite runners were among almost 24,000 people who signed up for the city's 44th marathon which is continuing into Sunday afternoon.

The 26.2 mile route winds around Belfast, passing landmarks including City Hall and Parliament Buildings, before finishing in Ormeau Park.

Many roads closed and there are changes to public transport for much of Sunday while the event takes place.

When time does the Belfast marathon start / likely to finish?

The race got under way at the Stormont estate in east Belfast.

The wheelchair race started at 08:59 BST.

The elite race started a minute later and all other participants started at 09:01.

Participants started on Prince of Wales Avenue, and are proceeding down the hill, on to the Upper Newtownards Road.

The first of the runners crossed the finish line at about 11:16.

However, the rest of the runners will still be making their way across the city for the next few hours.

Roads will reopen after six hours, and organisers have asked anyone continuing along the route after that time to move onto the footpath and follow road safety laws.

The Team Relay consists of five legs, of varying distance, with changeover points across the route.

The first Belfast City Marathon was held on the same date in 1982, with more than 3,000 participants starting at the former Maysfield Leisure Centre near the city centre.

Tilahun Nigussie broke the record at the 43rd Belfast City Marathon in 2025. The Ethiopian won the marathon with a new event record of 2:13:37.

The view from the starting line

Thousands of participants run along Prince of Wales Avenue, the mile-long tree-lined drive through the Stormont estate.  There are metal barriers along the route, separating runners from spectators.  There is a dull, grey sky and the grey facade of Parliament Buildings can be seen in the background.
The race began at Stormont at about 09:00 BST on Sunday [BBC]

At the scene: Bernie Allen, BBC News NI

It's slightly grey and dull weatherwise here at Stormont - but there is plenty of cheer and chat amongst the crowd, as thousands gather at the starting point.

As public transport has been affected in the city because of the race, there was some disruption on the roads leading to Stormont.

As well as those competing, many have lined the pavement to cheer on family and friends taking part.

Some have made banners and are holding supportive messages.

As well as solo runners there are plenty of relay race competitors, with many costumes on display.

Bereaved father runs in honour of 'brave' son

Graham Rennie, a man with short, fair hair, talks to a BBC TV crew in the grounds of Stormont.  He is wearing a black crew-neck t-shirt and is talking into a green microphone.  There is a lawned area covered in mature trees in the background.
Graham Rennie is fundraising in memory of his three-year-old son Callum [BBC]

Graham Rennie from Larne, is taking part in the relay race to fundraise for The Big C Foundation, set up in memory of his three-year-old son Callum.

The child died in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"I think about Callum every time I do something like this," he said.

"Callum was always happy, he was going through the wars, he was always smiling, always cheering… you'd not have realised he was going through anything really.

"His bravery just inspired us all, he gave us so many memories too, happy memories," he added.

"He taught us that, just to value life, make every day count."

Running for Ricky Hatton

Ryan Burnett, a man with short, fair hair, poses at the start line with a weighted trolley. He is wearing a pale blue and navy t-shirt with white sleeves.  The trolley  has a blue cover with a photo of the late Ricky Hatton holding up a boxing belt above his head in celebration.  The text on the trolley reads: "Run for Rick, 63.5 kg, Mental Health Awareness.
Ryan Burnett will run the marathon pushing a trolley which weighs the same as his former boxing coach Ricky Hatton [BBC]

Former professional boxer Ryan Burnett, who competed from 2013 to 2019, is running with a 9.9 st (63.5kg) weight.

It the same weight as his former coach, Ricky Hatton, when he won his first world title.

Hatton took his own life last September and Burnett wanted to "do something in his honour".

He is raising money for a foundation set up in Hatton's name, as well as a mental health charity based in north Belfast.

Speaking ahead of the race, the former unified bantamweight world champion said he's "good to go".

"I've been fighting my whole life, so I'm just looking at this as the same sort of thing," Burnett added.

Stephen Perry, a man with a shaved head poses with a helium "happy birthday" balloon at the start of the Belfast Marathon route.  He is wearing a red t-shirt and a black runner's harness containing equipment like a straw for a water pack.  Other runners stand in the blurred background.
Stephen Perry is running in memory of his friend and his mother-in-law [BBC]

Another runner, Stephen Perry, told BBC News NI he is running for the Irish heart Foundation.

"My mother-in-law and best friend died from heart complications," he said.

"It would have been my friend's 40th birthday today."

Hannah Grey and Oona McClelland are also fundraising for a cardiac charity.

"I'm running for Brave Hearts NI for my brother Gerard. He passed away in August. I'm doing this to keep his memory alive," Grey said.

For McClelland, this is her first marathon and she is being cautious.

"I'm hoping to take it easy, whatever happens, happens," she said.

'It's harder, I'm feeling it'

Laura Aiken, a woman with long, fair hair tied back in two plaits, speaks to a BBC TV crew at the Stormont estate.  She is wearing a two-tone sports top with a white chest and purple sleeves, and a set of black headphones.
Line of Duty actor Laura Aiken is hoping her "dodgy knee" won't give out [BBC]

Actor Laura Aiken, who is filming the latest series of Line of Duty in the city, said she has been squeezing in her training during "very early mornings".

The Gavin and Stacey star is running in support of a text message crisis line where she volunteers, and this will be her third marathon.

"I've run two before, but I haven't run one for five years... so, it's harder, I'm feeling it," she told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"I was actually supposed to be running London last weekend, and then the schedule sort of didn't work out and Belfast City Marathon have been so amazing and gave me a place.

"I've got a bit of a dodgy knee so I haven't run in a week in the hopes that today it won't give out."

What is the Belfast Marathon route?

The course traverses the city, starting off in Stormont in east Belfast then heading south.

It takes in the Boucher Road, before going west onto the Falls Road.

From there, it's north, past the Waterworks, as well as through the city centre, before ending in Ormeau Park.

The route has minor alterations in east Belfast this year.

It will now turn left off Beersbridge Road onto Clara Street, and then left again onto Castlereagh Road.

In north Belfast, this year the route will remain on Oldpark Road and turn right at the roundabout onto Cliftonville Road and continuing on the route.

Which roads are closed for the Belfast Marathon?

For a full list of what roads are closed and when they reopen you can click here.

There will be some disruption for the duration of the marathon, with the Upper Newtownards Road closing at the Comber Road junction from about 06:00 until 11:00.

Roads along the route will open and close on a staggered basis as runners pass, so for example the Boucher Road, from Tates Avenue to Stockmans Lane, will be closed between 08:30 and 13:30 while Duncairn Gardens in north Belfast will be closed between 09:30 and 14:45.

The last road to reopen will be the Ravenhill Road from the Rosetta Roundabout to the Ormeau Embankment (where local access is being maintained) which closes at 09:00 and does not reopen until 15:45.

Is there extra public transport?

To help people going to the marathon there will be special early morning trains from Londonderry, Larne, Bangor, and Newry to Belfast Lanyon Place.

For a list of all special departure times click here.

These additional services cannot be booked in advance and standard fares will apply.

Public transport around the city will be affected due to several road closures.

The picture shows three people on wheelchairs in front of other people dressed in blue on bicycles. Stormont and hundreds of marathon runners are behind them
Wheelchair participants will be first to set off on the 26.2 mile route [Pacemaker]

Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider bus services within Belfast will be subject to delay or disruption.

Shuttle buses will be available from Belfast City Hall and Lanyon Place Station to the starting line from 07:00 BST and 07:30 BST respectively.

A shuttle bus will also take spectators from Massey Avenue to Ormeau Park after the start of the race at Stormont and additional buses will drop off runners off at their designated relay changeover point.

A bus will transport participants from Ormeau Embankment to Belfast City Centre from 11:45 BST to 16:00 BST and every shuttle bus leaving Ormeau Embankment will transport spectators back to Stormont.

Where can I watch the Belfast marathon?

Mark Simpson and Nicola McCarthy will present live coverage from around the course with live coverage of the race on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC NI Sport website or listen on Radio Ulster from 08:45 BST on Sunday.

For those watching at home, you can submit a message of support and good luck here.

Why did people race up a hill for cheese?

Scores of competitors have lined up for an unusual sporting challenge, which saw them run up Dorset's Gold Hill carrying a 23kg (51lb) cheese-style truckle.

The Gold Hill Cheese Race in Shaftesbury was founded in 2012 and sees up to 100 people race up the steep cobbled street, known to many as "Hovis Hill" after a 1970s TV ad.

The road is only 541ft (165m) long but its 17% gradient, cobbled surface and the added challenge of carrying the weight mean the contest is not for the faint-hearted.

Organisers said 12,000 people attended the event.

About 13 people wearing fancy dress strike silly poses beneath the finish sign at the top of Gold Hill. Among them is a man wearing a multicoloured flamenco dress and a long blond wig, a person in a King Arthur face mask with a beard and flowing grey hair and a woman in a gold top and top hat.
In previous years, many of the competitors have worn fancy dress [Georgie Faulkner-Bryant]

Competitors often wear fancy dress for the wacky race, with inflatable dinosaurs and flamenco dancers among those who have taken part previously.

The event was founded by cheese expert and World Cheese Awards lead judge Charlie Turnbull and is part of the Shaftesbury Food Festival, which is run by volunteers from the Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce.

Racers previously carried cheese up the hill in the shape of 23kg truckles which were production cast-offs, but they got very slippery.

Since 2015, the races have used aerated concrete cheese-style truckles, which weigh 23kg for men and 18kg for women.

They are wrapped in cheesecloth to keep the "rustic look and feel", organisers said, and all winners win real cheese.

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