The Flora Women's Mini-Marathon in Dublin today has broken a record even before the start of the race with the biggest entry number in its 21-year history.
A total of 40,013 women will be running, jogging or walking the 10km around the south of the city in the largest all-women's event of its kind in the world.
The number joining the race has been rising over the years and it is a far cry from the 9,000 entrants who took part in the first women's mini-marathon in 1983.
The race organisers yesterday appealed to everybody who has entered the race to go along to St Stephen's Green early to enjoy the atmosphere and music.
As in other years, it will ultimately be the charities who will be the big winners. Last year, €6 million was collected, which brings the total since the race started in 1983 to over €66 million. It is the biggest single-day charity event in the State.
Yesterday, last year's winner Sonia O'Sullivan was on hand at the Nike stand at Women's World to offer advice and helpful tips to women who are taking part in the race. A spokesman for the Garda Press Office said there would be no parking along and around the route.
Streets along the route and St Stephen's Green South will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.; Fitzwilliam Place, Fitzwilliam Street and Merrion Square from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Merrion Street and Lower Leeson Street from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.; St Stephen's Green East and Pembroke Street 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.; St Stephen's Green West and North from 1 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.; Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Merrion Square East and Lower Mount Street 2.50 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.