It has been confirmed by Belfast City Council that the City's Marathon, traditionally run on May Day, will not be moved to Sunday next year. The decision was taken after it was revealed that organisers had wanted to move the event to ease traffic problems.

Editorial

It is a 'Shameful' indictment against Belfast City Council, that the residents of Belfast, to whom this great Belfast event belongs,  should have to raise objections, based on religious grounds. 

The organisers are reported to want to move the event, to ease traffic problems encountered by the marathon, but a move in reality would see the Mayday Bank holiday turned into just another shopping day, with more and more being forced to work, as time goes by. A Sunday Marathon would have also seen the rights of those who still hold the Lord's Day as a Special, Holy and even a Family Day, trampled upon. 

Presbyteriam Moderator Dr. Stafford Carson took the lead in raising objections to Belfast City Council, stating in a letter to Mayor Naomi Long that a change would see churchgoers disrupted and Christians withdrawing support from the event.

As such there will be no Sunday Marathon next year, but the fight goes on, if Northern Ireland want to continue to have May Day as a day off and if Churches are to be able to worship unrestricted, for reports suggest that this proposal is backed by Translink, The Road Service, Belfast City Centre Management, Athletics NI and the PSNI based on costs.

Last Updated 13th May 2010