The Parades Commission has said it seeks to "balance rights" after an Orange Order parade was staged at the same time and on the same road as Belfast City Marathon.
While many runners still out on the course on Sunday afternoon were making their way up Ormeau Road, a small band parade started moving down the same stretch of road in the opposite direction.
It is estimated that around 15,000 people took part in this year's marathon, wheelchair race, relay and eight mile walk.
However, runners were asked to share the road with members of the Orange Order and bandsmen who were taking part in an annual City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows' Fund event. It typically takes place on the last Sunday of April.
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Pictures posted on social media showed the unusual juxtaposition and sparked some debate, with some asking how both events were given the green light by the Parades Commission.
"You'd wonder how the parades commission comes to make calls like this?" one Twitter user asked.
Another also voiced surprise.
"Unbelievable that the Parades Commission allowed an Orange parade, or any other parade, to march on the route of the marathon."
One Twitter user, who claims to be an Orangeman, said: "Common sense should have dictated not having the parade at the same time as the marathon. The Orange do themselves no favours when they make decisions like this."
Another account welcomed both events.
"Good to see both activities clearing cars off the roads. Well done to the marathon and Ballynafeigh District," he wrote.
A Parades Commission spokesman said: “In considering notifications for processions, the commission will seek to balance the rights of those involved in parades along with those who may be taking part in other events or who may live and work in the affected locality.
"The commission understands that there was dialogue between the parade organiser and the organisers of Belfast marathon to help facilitate both events."
