Kenyan runners dominate Belfast Marathon

The Kenyan runner, who was second two years ago, won the men's race in a time of 2:18:19

Eric Koech has won the 37th annual Belfast City Marathon.

The Kenyan runner, who was second two years ago, won the men's race in a time of 2:18:19. Kenyan runners have dominated this year's event, winning both races.

Caroline Kepchirchir won the women's race in 2:41:23. Kilkeel's Laura Graham, last year's winner, came second.

Seventeen thousand runners have taken to the roads on Bank Holiday Monday.

One man, in his 50s, collapsed in the early stages of the race and later died.

Caroline Kepchirchir won the women's race in 2:41:23. Kilkeel's Laura Graham, right, last year's winner, came second

The event started at Belfast City Hall at 09:00 BST with a finish line in Ormeau Park.

Wheelchair competitors get underway: the event began at Belfast City Hall and finishes at Ormeau Park

The weather has been good for both runners and the thousands of spectators lining the city's streets.

Is bouncing round the course even allowed or possible come to mention it?

Organisers of the event have warned that it could be the last time it is staged because of new legislation.

The organising committee chairman, David Seaton, said they been told in future they may have to pay for policing which he said would kill off the event.

The runners reach east Belfast

The view from the middle of the crowd

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• Belfast Marathon: What you need to know

• Belfast Marathon 2018 in pictures

• Belfast marathon quiz

Holy runners! Batmen, Batwomen and Robins at the beginning of the Belfast marathon

St John Ambulance NI have ambulance crews and other volunteers on duty across the city today.

You can find more details on the event, including free park-and-ride facilities and a map of the route on our special guide to the Belfast Marathon.