Co Down woman to become first from NI to reach impressive milestone at Belfast City Marathon this weekend
Referring to her extensive fundraising, the seasoned runner said: 'The achievement of completing my 400th marathon will be made sweeter knowing I have made a difference to local people on their cancer journey.
'I have been proud to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI over the past number of years and I am always delighted to see everyone at the charity's cheering station, spurring me on as I make my way around the route.'
Ahead of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon this weekend, McAnulty spoke about the atmosphere runners can expect: 'The Belfast City marathon can be just as enjoyable as the New York marathon, it's all about the atmosphere and making your family proud'.
She's offered some advice to first-time marathon runners, saying: 'Anything can happen on the day, the most important thing is to have fun. The atmosphere is electric and the support from the local community across Belfast is unbelievable, it really helps get you across the finish line'.
Over 22,000 participants are expected to take to Belfast for the marathon this bank holiday weekend.
John Allen, chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, said: "This year's Bank Holiday weekend will see the biggest marathon in our 43-year history, with 6,500 runners taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. 2,750 relay teams and 1,200 8 mile walkers will join in to soak up in the marathon atmosphere, making it Northern Ireland's biggest mass sport participatory event.'
The 26.2 mile race on Sunday will start at Stormont Estate, passing through the north, south, east and west of the city, before finishing in Ormeau Park.
Motorists can expect some disruption throughout the morning and early afternoon as participants make their way through the city.
The 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon route is similar to the 2024 route, although there are some slight changes.
The route has minor alterations at the City Hall, this year remaining on Chichester Street, directly onto Wellington Place before turning left onto Fisherwick Place and continuing on the route.
A further change takes place on the Falls Road, turning left onto North Howard Street, left onto Cupar Way, right onto Lanark Way, right onto the Shankill Road, left onto Tennent Street, across the Crumlin Road onto Hillview Road and left onto the Oldpark Road and continuing the route.
Roads will start to close wholly or partially at various parts of the city from around 6am until 4pm.
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