Advice issued for motorists travelling during Strabane Lifford Half Marathon
8 May 2026
Motorists and residents are being advised to plan ahead and expect some temporary traffic disruption on Sunday 17th May 2026 as the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon takes place.
The 11th edition of the cross border event will start at 9.30am from the Alley Theatre, Strabane, and finish at the Melvin Athletics Track with the final runners expected to arrive at approximately 12.45pm.
The course will take runners from Strabane through Lifford, out through Clady village and back into Strabane for the finish at the Melvin Athletics Track, incorporating Strabane town centre during the early miles.
As a result, short‑term delays are expected, particularly in Railway Street and surrounds from approximately 9am – 10.30am and Urney Road, A5, Bradley Way and Bridge Street from approximately 9am – 12.30pm
Traffic may be affected at various times along sections of the following roads: Railway Street, Main Street, Bridge Street, Urney Road, A5 ( Melmount Road Roundabout to Barnhill Road) Bradley Way Roundabout, Bradley Way, John Wesley Street, Canal Street, Dock Street, A5 Barnhill, A38 Lifford Road, N15 through Clady Village, Great Northern Link Junction, Meeting House Street, and the Strabane Pedestrian Bridge.
Temporary traffic restrictions will be introduced for short periods only and have been carefully planned in consultation with PSNI, An Garda Síochána, the Department for Infrastructure, and Donegal County Council to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
On the Donegal side of the border, the N15 southbound lane between Lifford and Clady will be closed from 8.30am to 1.00pm, with signed diversion routes in place.
Motorists are encouraged, where possible, to avoid the race route during the event, follow all signed diversions, and allow extra time for journeys.
Residents living along the route are asked to park vehicles off the road in advance of the race, and those exiting onto affected roads should do so with care.
There will be no parking at the Melvin Sports Complex on race day however designated Half Marathon participant parking will be available at Canal Street Car Park, directly behind the start line at the Alley Theatre with additional public parking is available at John Wesley Street, Lower Main Street and Butcher Steet.
As the event takes place on a Sunday morning, those travelling to church services in Strabane, Lifford, Castlefinn and Doneyloop are advised to allow additional travel time.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh who will officially start the race said: “The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is one of the town’s largest annual events and brings great energy to the area.
“While some disruption is unavoidable, careful planning is in place and I encourage everyone to support the runners and plan their journeys in advance.”
Council Head of Events, Jacqueline Whoriskey, added: “This year’s event sold out in record time and will be our biggest field yet.
“It also draws large numbers of spectators into the town centre but with cooperation from motorists and residents, disruption can be kept to a minimum.
“Police, Gardaí and race marshals will be present throughout the route to assist on the day.”
Race pack collection will take place at the Melvin Sports Complex on Friday 15th May from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 16th May from 9am – 2pm and on the morning of the race from 7.30am – 8.30am.
A full breakdown of road closures, timings, and a course video is available at www.derrystrabane.com/slhm
For further information, contact [email protected] or the Council’s Festivals and Events Team on 028 71 253253.