Fitness
Fitness
These are 10 of the best running races in Ireland for this year
Looking for extra motivation to keep your fitness on track? We’ve got you covered…
The 12th edition of the Wings for Life World Run will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025. For registration updates, complete global results and unforgettable highlights: visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com and download the new Wings for Life World Run App for iOS or Android.
Signing up for a race is a great way to keep your motivation up – and your fitness regime on track. Having something to work towards beats aimlessly running on the gym treadmill or pounding the pavements. A running race can also be a great way of exploring new places, taking you through some beautiful landscapes and wild terrain.
To give you a little extra inspiration, and in some cases to help you get miles in the tank ahead of the Wings for Life World Run, we’ve picked out Ireland’s best running events for this year. So whether you're an expert runner or new to the racing game, we've got you covered.
Road Running Races
01
Connemarathon
21 April 2024
Runners at Connemarathon
© Andreas Riemenschneider.
With half, full and ultra-marathon options available, this is one of Ireland’s most popular running races. Every year sees more than 3,000 entrants from 30 countries run through the dramatic landscape of Connemara. Starting and finishing in Maam Cross, the course winds its way past bogs, hills, lakes and the Twelve Pin Mountains.
This year, the ultra course has been given a revamp with a new 10 mile section. The 39.3 mile long ultra-marathon kicks off at 9am, while the full and half marathon will follow at 11am.
02
Run in the Dark
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A perfect running event for night owls
© Run in the Dark
Brave the darkness with thousands of other runners from over 50 cities in one of the superb Run in the Dark, returning in November. Events will be held in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Kilkenny, Kerry and Galway, with competitors able to choose from a 10km or 5km route. As well as the fact you’ll be part of a global event – and wearing a flashing red armband – you’ll also be running for a good cause, as the event is part of a global movement to cure paralysis.
03
Belfast City Marathon
5 May 2024
Belfast City Marathon
© Belfast City Marathon
Attracting seasoned veterans (competitors have recently been able to earn both domestic and international ranking points) and newcomers alike, the Belfast Marathon, now in its 41st year, is a true marathon mecca.
Much of the course — which sets off from Stormont Estate — is uphill, so be sure to head to the pasta party the night before the event to fuel up.
Although if you don't fancy lacing up the runners for 26 miles, there's always the Belfast Half Marathon later this year (26 September 2023) which is sure to draw quite a crowd as well.
04
Portumna Forest Marathon
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Set in thick woodland, this event is described by organisers as “a spiritual experience” that tests the body and soothes the mind in equal measure. Covering an area of 450 hectares, the forest – located near a town called Portumna, which means “landing place of the oak tree” – is home to fallow deer, red squirrels, Scots Pine and Norway spruce. There are four route distances to choose from, ranging from 10km to 50km.
05
Achill Half Marathon and 10K
6 July 2024
With its towering sea cliffs and pristine beaches, it’s easy to see why the island of Achill attracts so many athletes from around the world for its annual half marathon and 10km race. Starting and finishing in Keel, the full course meanders for 13.1 miles through the island’s spectacular scenery, with vast mountain, bog and coastal trails ensuring a varied route. The Atlantic Ocean will be your constant companion as you run around the island.
Trail Running Races
06
Forth Mountain Trail Run
23 March 2024
Hailed as "undoubtedly the most scenic race in the southeast" by its organisers, Forth Mountain Trail Run, located just outside Wexford Town, will be a test of the legs and the mind. Yet with views spanning everywhere from north Wexford and the Wicklow Mountains to the north, right down to the Saltee Islands, and Hook Lighthouse, it's absolutely worth getting a sweat on for.
Together with a packed field of competitors you'll traverse 13 kilometres of the Three Rocks Trail on Forth Mountain, which are comprised of well-maintained gravel trail and short sections of forestry road.
07
Bray 10km Cliff Run
10 August 2024
How about a sunset run along the clifftops? A super accessible run for race newbies, this 10km route starts with a run up to the top of Bray head alongside magnificent issues of the Irish Sea, then over to the Cliff path back to Bray, where you'll finish with a final run across the beach before the celebratory fist-pumps at Bray Promenade's bandstand.
08
Mourne Mountain Marathon
21-22 September 2024
Competitors at Mourne Mountain Marathon
© Mark Pruzina/Mourne Mountain Marathon
Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation event returns to the beautiful mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland. Attracting hikers and ultra-runners of varying abilities, it requires competitors to find their own way through the beautiful Co Down countryside using a map and camp under open skies. You’re also expected to be self-sufficient, carrying all your own gear, food, and water for the duration of the event.
09
Maurice Mullins Ultra
23 March 2024
A test for even the most expert runners, this 51km course is a way to experience the ruggedly beautiful Wicklow Way like never before. Prepare to sweat – there is 1940m of ascent along the way – but at least the epic scenery should help distract you as you trace this famous long-distance trail from Glencullen to Ballinastoe. For a softer option, there is a 25.1km course that follows the latter half of the 51km out and back course.
