Thousands take part in city race

The runners set off outside Belfast City Hall

Nearly 14,000 people took part in the annual Belfast City marathon on Monday.

The men's marathon was won by Kenyan Stephen Ndungu in two hours and 16 minutes, while his compatriot Joyce Kandia came first in the women's race.

In the men's event, Belfast man Alan McCullough was the highest-placed Northern Ireland runner, finishing in fourth place for a fifth time.

The event began at City Hall at 0900 BST and finished up in Ormeau Park. The route took in all parts of the city.

Belfast City Council, which organises the marathon, said the emphasis this year was on community involvement.

Kenyan runner Stephen Ndungu won the men's event

This year is the silver anniversary of the marathon - the first was 25 years ago - with Northern Ireland Mother and Baby Appeal being the chosen charity.

The city's Lord Mayor Wallace Brown, who set the runners on their way, said it was "marvellous that people are taking part to raise money for such wonderful charities".

Although he was not running in the marathon, he said: "They're still looking for a tracksuit to fit me, and when they get that, I might take part next year."

Event organiser David Seaton said the Belfast marathon was still going strong.

"Years ago when the marathon boom started in the 1980s, every major city in Britain had marathons but they fell by the wayside, but Belfast has come through.

"We are now in our 25th year and hopefully we'll go on to even greater things."