The front runners setting the pace in last year’s Belfast City|Marathon

THE 35 th Belfast City Marathon is taking place today.

Over 17,500 runners are expected to take part when they go under starters at 9 am.

The race starts at Belfast City Hall and finishes at Ormeau Park in south Belfast.

The route takes in streets in the north, south, east and west of the city.

The first athletes are expected to cross the finish-line short after 11 am.

Other events include a team relay race, a marathon walk, a wheelchair marathon and a fun-run.

About 2,700 people are due to run the full marathon, while there are also 1,800 relay teams with five runners in each team.

Roads along the route will be closed and travel disruption is expected.