Motorists and greenway users advised to prepare for some disruption during 2025 Waterside Half Marat
3 September 2025
The organisers of the Waterside Half Marathon have encouraged motorists and pedestrians to familiarise themselves with traffic arrangements in and around the city on the morning of Sunday September 7th.
The 42nd edition of the event, hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, will see up to 3,800 runners complete the 13.1 mile course and a number of traffic restrictions and temporary speed limits will be in place to facilitate them.
Runners will leave Ebrington Square from 9.30am and will finish back there from 10.40am until 1pm.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, will officially start the race and he urged anyone who will be in the vicinity of the route on Sunday morning to familiarise themselves with the arrangements and expect some disruption.
“This year’s Waterside Half Marathon sold out months in advance and Council’s Festival’s and Events team have shown great ambition to continue to grow the event by accommodating another record field this Sunday morning,” he said.
“The scenic, spectator friendly route straddles the River Foyle, showcases the city’s four bridges and is mainly on our city’s greenway network which helps reduce traffic congestion for motorists.
“There is a heightened chance of congestion this year however given the increased numbers and road works that are taking place around the city so I would encourage motorists to familiarise themselves with the temporary traffic restrictions in place to keep disruption to a minimum.
“I want to thank everyone in advance for their co-operation and wish all the runners well in pursuing their personal goals this Sunday.”
Some disruption is inevitable but to minimise this and avoid delays the public are asked to consider avoiding travelling along the affected route during the event.
If you must travel during the event, please follow the signed diversions and allow some extra time for your journey and follow the instructions of the police and race marshals.
Runners will depart from Ebrington Square at 9.30am and motorists should note that from 8.45am to 10am the following roads will be closed: Limavady Road from Ebrington to Dales Corner, Kingslink Road to Craigavan Bridge, the Craigavon Bridge Lower Deck to Foyleside Roundabout.
From 9.15am to 12.30pm there will be one lane closures on A2 Clooney Road (from Temple Road to the Foyle Bridge), and on the Foyle Bridge (Eastbound). There will be a 20 mph speed limit on these roads while runners pass.
Although not part of the race route, runners and spectators travelling to the event should note that, due to ongoing NI Water Infrastructure works, the Madams Bank Road will be closed between the Rockfield and Steelstown Road junctions on the weekend of the event with diversions and Queen’s Quay will continue to remain closed to north bound traffic.
Residents along the route can help alleviate congestion by parking vehicles off the road for the duration of the race.
Greenway users, particularly those with dogs, should be aware that the network will be congested on Sunday morning as runners pass through, the peak period for runners is approximately from 9.30am – 1pm.
The affected greenways are St Columb’s Park Greenway, Strathfoyle Greenway, Bay Road Park and Queen’s Quay.
The Peace Bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic from 9am – 1.00pm however runners can use it to access the start line if they wish to park in the city side where there are more spaces available than the Waterside.
A free shuttle bus will operate from Whittaker Street ( Guildhall Layby) to Ebrington from 10.15am – 1pm.
The Main Event Car Park is located a 10 minute walk from the start line at Foyle College with additional parking available at Oakgrove Primary School, Duke Street Multi-story and Old Bridge House.
On the city side, there are paid carparks available in the multi-stories at Foyleside and Quayside Shopping Centres while, along the quay, the Strand Road Council Offices Car Park and Queen’s Quay Car Parks are open to the public and are free of charge on Sunday.
As the event is on a Sunday morning it may be prudent to allow a little extra time to reach Church services on time.
Passengers intending to take the 9.38am train service to Belfast are also advised to allow extra time for their journey if they are traveling to the NW Transport Hub by road and to familiarise themselves with the road closures.
The drop off point for the NW Transport Hub is Simpsons Brae which is accessible from Spencer Road.
We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused to you by these traffic restrictions and we will make every effort to minimise disruption.
The Waterside Half Marathon is sold out, for race information including pack collection, race instructions and a map and video of the route visit derrystrabane.com/whm.
For further information, please contact the Events Team on 02871 253253 or [email protected].