MAJOR traffic diversions and changes to bus routes are planned in Dublin city tomorrow to facilitate the annual marathon.

Most of the 12,750 registered runners will begin the 30th annual race from Fitzwilliam Square from where they will head towards O'Connell Street and along the North Circular Road to the Phoenix Park. From there the marathon will pass through Inchicore, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Milltown, Donnybrook and Ballsbridge before finishing in Merrion Square. Visitors coming to the capital have been advised to park well away from the city centre and to seek advice on traffic arrangements. The dublinmarathon.ie website has a breakdown of management plans available to motorists.

It warns of "severe traffic restrictions in the Merrion Square, Nassau Street, and Stephens Green areas of the city and their environs" amongst other locations.