News

Motorists warned to expect some disruption during 2026 Waterside Half Marathon

27 August 2026

The organisers of the Waterside Half Marathon have encouraged motorists, residents and pedestrians to familiarise themselves with traffic arrangements in and around the city on the morning of Sunday September 6th.

The 43rd edition of the event, hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, will see up to 4,000 runners complete the 13.1 mile course.

To facilitate the event safely, a number of temporary road closures, traffic restrictions and temporary speed limits will be in place throughout the morning.

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 Grace Uí Niallais, will officially start the race and she urged anyone who will be in the vicinity of the route on Sunday morning to plan ahead and expect some disruption.

“This year’s Waterside Half Marathon sold out at the start of the summer and Council’s Festival’s and Events team want to continue their ambition to grow the event by accommodating another record field on Sunday,” she said.

“The scenic route showcases the city’s four bridges and is mainly along the river on the city’s greenway network which helps reduce traffic congestion.

“Some road closures are necessary to ensure the safe delivery of 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.

“I would encourage motorists to familiarise themselves with the temporary traffic arrangements and allow extra time for journeys where required.”

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.

Extensive planning has taken place, in partnership with statutory agencies and event partners, to ensure the safe delivery of the event while minimising disruption to residents, businesses, and road users.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow the advice and instruction of police, stewards, and race marshals at all times. 

Anyone travelling during the event is advised to follow signed diversions, allow additional time for their journey and consider avoiding the affected route where possible.

Runners will depart from Ebrington Square at 9.30am and motorists should note that from 7.30am to 10am St Columbs Road from its junction with Limavady Road up to Browning Drive will be closed.

There will be no access through the main entrance to the Ebrington Site on Limavady Road from 9.20am until around 9.50am or when the last of the runners leaves the Ebrington site after the race start.

From 8.30am to 10.30am, there will be a single lane closure on the A2 from Kingslink Roundabout to its junction with St Columb’s Road, a full closure on Kingslink from Duke Street Roundabout to Kingslink Roundabout, a full closure on Duke Street from Duke Street Roundabout to the Craigavon Bridge, a full closure of the lower deck of the Craigavon Bridge and a single lane closure on the Foyle Road from the Craigavon Bridge lower deck to Foyleside Roundabout.

From 8.30am to 1pm there’ll be a single lane closure in Strathfoyle on Temple Road from Clonmeen Drive to Clooney Road, a single lane closure on the A2 Dual Carriageway from Temple Road Junction to Caw Roundabout and on the Foyle Bridge from Culmore Roundabout to Caw Roundabout.

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 general pedestrian access between  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.

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 and Duke Street Multi-story.

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.

Shuttle buses from the cityside to the start/finish will leave from Whitaker Street beside the Guildhall with the first bus leaving at 9.45am and they will be lifting at the back of the Ebrington Hotel at approximately 10am.

We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused to you by these traffic restrictions, and we will make every effort to minimise disruption.

Motorists should also be aware that the City of Derry Triathlon and Europe Triathlon Cup takes place in the city on Saturday September 6^th and details of temporary road closures to accommodate the cycling element of the race can be accessed at www. codtriathlon.com

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].