This year’s unprecedented hot weather mean distances have been reduced to a half and quarter marathon only.

The action got underway at 9.00am on the Mall in Waterford City.

Event Organiser Roisín Ferris said that the cancellation of today’s full-distance marathon was a tough but necessary decision.

“We were getting advise from Met Eireann, the hospital, the guards and the council,” she said, “We all got our heads together and took on their advise. We’re continuing with our half and quarter, so hopefully most people will avail of that.”