Organisers of the Great Limerick Run, which takes place on Sunday, are expecting more than 8,000 participants from all over the world to compete.
The event, in its third year, is already becoming synonymous with May bank holiday weekend festivities in the city.
Organisers have agreed to accept an extra 500 entries to accommodate demand and it is expected that 8,500 people will take part. Participants can sign up for the six-mile race, a half-marathon and/or a full marathon.
Registration for the three events closes on Saturday. A number of charities are set to benefit through a participant sponsorship programme.
Clodagh Cahill, a volunteer co-ordinator said: “We’ve also got people coming from as far as Australia, people coming from the US, people coming from Europe and the UK. I think every county in Ireland is being represented as well.
“For people coming from abroad, the most popular event would be the marathon and half- marathon. Our most popular event overall is the six-mile event, which is open to everybody. You don’t have to be an elite athlete . . . that’s why it’s our most popular one.”
Nearly 500 volunteers will help ensure the event goes smoothly and ties in with the city’s Riverfest celebrations.
As part of Riverfest 2012, a round of the National Powerboat Championships will be held on the river Shannon on Sunday from 3pm-7pm. A fireworks display will take place over the river on Saturday at 9pm.