8,000 to compete in Dublin City Marathon

The 23rd annual Dublin City Marathon is taking place in the capital this morning.

The race began at 9am in Nassau Street, with major traffic diversions in place from 6am to 6pm.

An estimated 8,000 athletes from more than 50 countries are expected to take part.

Last year, Africa's Zacharia Mpolokeng won the event in a time of 2:14:03, the fastest time achieved in the marathon in 16 years.

Cork athlete Sonia O'Sullivan was the fastest woman.