Important Road Closure information

Sunday 17 MAY 2026

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, consisting of the Plymouth Half, Plymouth 10k and Half Marathon Primary School’s Challenge takes place on Sunday 17th May from 7:15am. All events will start and finish on Plymouth Hoe, with thousands of athletes due to take part. Please see image below for full details on affected roads.

We will operate a dynamic road opening scheme to ensure that roads are re-open as soon as runners have completed each section of the route. Road closures will start operating from 04:00 in most areas, with a dynamic re-opening schedule from 09:15. All roads will re-open by 14:00.

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parking & travel

Parking & Travel

There are several road closures that could affect your journey in and out of the City. In order to ease this disruption, find below some helpful advice;

Travel with ease with GWR

If you’re participating in Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival or want to cheer everyone on the day, why not make it a weekend away with Great Western Railway (GWR)? Take the train to Plymouth on Saturday and you’ll be relaxed, refreshed and ready for an exciting day of entertainment and running at Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival 2026. Or if you are coming from London and want to make a long weekend of it, consider the Night Riviera Sleeper which departs from London Paddington, Sunday to Friday.

On Saturday, keep those legs warmed up by exploring everything Plymouth has to offer, including its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront, and variety of attractions.

After a great night’s sleep at one of the city’s many hotels, you’ll be ready to head out bright and early to the Hoe for the festival. Post-race, enjoy a well-deserved brunch on the Barbican before heading back to your hotel or to rest those weary feet on the train back home. 

Plan ahead and you could save over 50% just by booking in advance.  GWR also offers a range of tickets and railcards that can save you money, helping unlock affordable adventures all year round. 

Key road closures:

See the full list of road closures here.

Gdynia Way in its entirety.

Embankment Road westbound carriageway from its junction with Mutley Slip road B3214.

Millbay Road from The Ferry Port Roundabout to The Crescent will be closed from 07:00 – 09:00

Around The Hoe:

Citadel Road for its entirety

Hoe Approach for its entirety

Elliot Street for its entirety

Leigham Street for its entirety

Southside Street for its entirety

Hoe Road for its entirety

Madeira Road to its junction with Hoe Road

Lambhay Hill for its entirety

for Car Parking, utilise:

Drake’s Circus, open from 07:00

Western Approach

Civic Centre – no height restriction

Please allow extra time for your journey and parking

Travelling from Plymstock and Kingsbridge area towards the City Centre

  • The A379 remains fully open
  • At the end of Laira Bridge Road you will be diverted into Embankment Road to Cattedown Roundabout.
  • You will still be able to turn left into Hele Terrace to access The Embankment A374 eastbound.
  • From Cattedown Roundabout you will be able to proceed into Exeter Street or Tothill Road.
  • Exeter Street will be down to one lane of traffic from 07:00 – 09:15
  • The Viaduct (westbound) will be closed to traffic from 07:00 – 09:15
  • Royal Parade (westbound) will be closed to traffic from 07:00 – 09:15
  • Union Street to its junction with The Crescent will be closed from 07:00 – 09:15

Travelling from City Centre to Plymstock and Kingsbridge

Use Exeter Street A374 into Embankment Road and Laira Bridge Road

Travelling from Plympton to the City Centre

  • From Plymouth Road join The Parkway A38 and exit at the Manadon Junction and proceed along Outland Road A386 to Alma Road.
  • Then use Western Approach or Cobourg Street.
  • If you use Deep Lane entrance to the A38 continue until The Manadon turning.

Travelling from City Centre to Plympton

Either use Exeter Street A374 into Embankment Road and Laira Bridge Road
Or North Cross, Alma Road and Outland Road joining The Parkway at Manadon.

Travelling from Cornwall to the City Centre

  • Exit the A38 at the Weston Mill Junction A3064 and follow the signage to the City Centre, via Wolseley Road, Alma Road A386 and Saltash Road.

  • Then use Western Approach or Cobourg Street

Travelling from the City Centre to Cornwall

Western Approach to North Cross Roundabout before proceeding to Alma Road and Outland Road joining The Parkway at Manadon or via Wolseley Road to Weston Mill.

Travelling from Tavistock to the City Centre

Proceed along Tavistock Road A386 and continue to Outland Road and Alma Road

Travelling from the City Centre to Tavistock

Western Approach to North Cross Roundabout before proceeding to Alma Road and Outland Road joining The Parkway at Manadon.

Travelling from Exeter to City Centre

  • Exit the A38 at The Manadon Junction and proceed along Outland Road A386 to Alma Road.
  • Then use Western Approach or Cobourg Street.

Travelling from the City Centre to Exeter

Western Approach to North Cross Roundabout before proceeding to Alma Road and Outland Road joining The Parkway at Manadon.