Translink to operate early train services for Moy Park Belfast City Marathon

Roseanna Johnston, Belfast City Marathon Marketing and Events Assistant, is joined by Translink staff member and Air Ambulance NI volunteer, Colin King along with Translink Rail Events Supervisor Stephen Smyth who will take part in this year’s event.

Translink is set to once again support the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon by operating a series of early morning train services on Sunday 4th May, helping participants and supporters get to the start line on time.

Early trains will run from Derry~Londonderry, Larne, Bangor and Newry, with all services arriving into Belfast’s Lanyon Place Station before 8:00am – well ahead of the 9:00am race start at Stormont Estate, with the finish line located in Ormeau Park.

Translink’s Rail Events Supervisor, Stephen Smyth, who will also take to the start line as a runner himself, said:

“We’re proud to play our part in supporting this fantastic event once again. These special early morning services and additional transport options are designed to give runners and spectators hassle-free, sustainable travel on marathon day.

“We’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead, make use of our Journey Planner, and arrive in plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the big day.”

As well as enhanced rail services, Translink will also operate a free shuttle bus from Belfast City Hall (outside SS Moore’s) between 7:00am – 8:00am, and from Lanyon Place Station from 7:30am – 8:00am, direct to the Stormont start line. These services are for those running the full marathon or the first leg of the relay.

For relay team participants running leg 2 onwards of the relay, a dedicated shuttle bus will operate from Annadale Embankment (Dunnes Stores) on a phased basis between 8:00am – 10:00am, dropping runners at the specific relay changeover point.

Participants are encouraged to check their marathon paperwork for details of services for their specific relay point.

To help people return to the city centre post-race, a shuttle bus from Ormeau Embankment will run between 11:45am – 4:00pm, taking participants back to Belfast City Centre.

In addition, a complimentary Glider service will be available for marathon participants from SS Moore’s Chichester Street or Wellington Street to Stormont, operating every 15 minutes until 4:30pm. Those using Stormont car parks are reminded that it will close at 5pm.

Passengers can purchase tickets in advance or on the day with cash or contactless payment options available. For best value, the Sunday Day Tracker ticket offers unlimited bus and rail travel for just £10 and is available from conductors, ticket offices or via the mLink app.

Full details on all enhanced and regular services are available at www.translink.co.uk or via the Journey Planner app.

Air Ambulance NI is the Charity Partner for this year’s Moy Park Belfast City Marathon as well as being Translink’s Staff Charity Partner. Donations can be made online at Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Fundraising Campaign 2025 or by supporting collections along the route.

While this year’s Moy Park Belfast City Marathon is now sold out, entries are still open for the Half Marathon, and runners are encouraged to register early at www.belfastcitymarathon.com.