BBC Northern Ireland share live broadcast of 2023 Race

With 14 camera positions and a drone, viewers will be able to watch all the key stages of the 26.2 mile race. Coverage began at 08:45 BST on the BBC iPlayer and at the BBC Sport NI website on Sunday.

The marathon, which began in 1982, stretches across north, south, east and west Belfast. It passes historic landmarks including City Hall and Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Paul McClean, BBC Northern Ireland executive editor for music, arts and events, said: "We are delighted to be getting out and about again this spring and summer and are really pleased to be covering the Belfast City Marathon live for the very first time. You will be able to catch up with the coverage as it happens."

The programme was hosted by BBC Sport presenter Nicola McCarthy who brought updates and live interviews from the start and finish line.

In the commentary box was BBC News NI correspondent, and veteran marathon runner, Mark Simpson. Along the route, BBC presenter Rigsy (David O'Reilly) ran beside competitors while talking to them. BBC presenter Anne-Marie Wallace spoke with spectators at locations along the way.

Providing expert analysis was international runner Katie Kirk who has represented Northern Ireland at two Commonwealth Games. She was also one of the torch-bearers at the 2012 London Olympics.

This year around 4,500 runners competed in the marathon and wheelchair race, and 9,000 in the relay. Among those competing in the marathon for the first time was the Linfield footballer Ross Larkin.