Motorists warned of traffic restrictions for Strabane Lifford Half Marathon

The organisers of the 2023 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon have urged motorists to expect some temporary traffic restrictions in the area.

The event takes place on Sunday June 11 with more than 1,000 runners taking part. 

This cross border event starts at Meetinghouse Street in Strabane at 9.30am with finishers arriving at the Melvin Running Track from 10.35am until around 1pm.

It is being coordinated by Derry City and Strabane District Council in conjunction with Lifford Strabane AC. Organisers have asked anyone travelling in the vicinity on the day to plan their journey and expect some congestion in Strabane town centre.

Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey said: "To ensure the safety of both runners and motorists it will be necessary to introduce temporary traffic restrictions for a short time.

"These have been carefully selected in consultation with PSNI, Gardaí and the Department for Infrastructure, to minimise delays and inconvenience for residents and traffic.

"Some disruption is inevitable but in order to minimise this and avoid delays we would ask you to familiarise yourself with the traffic and travel advice.

"We will make every effort to minimise any disruption and remember that disruptions to normal traffic will only be for a very short period of time.”

Commuters are being requested to, where possible, avoid travelling along the affected route during the event. If they must do so, they are asked to follow the signed diversions and allow some extra time for your journey.

Event car parking is available in Strabane at the Canal Basin North (BT82 8EE), Canal Basin Dock Street (BT82 8EE), Railway Street (BT82 8RJ), Butcher Street (BT82 8BJ), Lower Main Street (BT82 8BA).

Mr Whoriskey has particular advice for church-goers.

“As the event is on a Sunday morning it may be prudent to allow a little extra time to reach Church Services in Strabane, Lifford, Castlefinn and Doneyloop,” she said.

“Police, Gardaí and race marshals will be present around the race route to provide advice.

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

“Please bear with us, enjoy the event and remember that disruptions to normal traffic will only be for a very short time.”

The website derrystrabane.com/slhm will have event updates and further information.