Looking for a road running race with epic views and a great atmosphere? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here we round up some of the best road running races in Ireland in 2019.

1. Castlewellan 10k Night Edition, Co Down

11 Jan 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Trail Runs in Ireland 2019
Image: 26Extreme

The Castlewellan 10k Night Edition takes you on a journey around the roads of Castlewellan Forest in the dark! The route will be fully waymarked using flashing strobe lights so there is no need to worry about getting lost. After the race, participants will be treated to music, cake, beer, and tea/coffee to celebrate a fun, active night.

Find out more at 26Extreme.

2. Run Clare 5k, Co Clare

26 January 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Running Events 2019
Image: Ennis Injury Clinic

Looking for something short and sweet to run in 2019? Ring in the New Year with Run Clare’s 5k road race in East Clare. Keep up with your resolutions as you embark on this 5k run, which is part of the Run Clare race series, which consists of four races in four months (5k, 5-mile, 10k, and 10-mile races). Refreshments, t-shirts, and beautiful scenery are all included in this race, so sign up and make sure to stick to that resolution!

Find out more at Run Clare.

3. Tony McGowan Run, Co Leitrim

17 Feb 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image: Blueways Ireland

The 7th Annual Tony McGowan Run will have something for everyone this year. Enjoy the option of a half-marathon, 10k, or 5k run to soak in Drumshanbo’s gorgeous landscape, crossing Ireland’s first and only floating boardwalk. The race will even provide a 2.5km scavenger hunt for the kids!

Find out more at Run Ireland.

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4. 3 Marathons in 2 Days, Co Mayo

23-24 Feb 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: 3 Marathons in 2 Days

This extreme endurance challenge will definitely kick your 2019 off to a good start. The 3 Marathons in 2 Days race consists of a looped course around Ballina and Killala in Co Mayo. This year is the first year that the coordinators have included the option of doing 3 half-marathons in place of the full marathons. Participants can take part in either one, two, or all three of the events – the choice is entirely up to you! The course is 1,522m – so 14 laps are needed to complete a half-marathon and 28 laps are needed to complete a full.

Changing rooms, showers, and food will be available at the event, and all of the events are chip-timed. All finishers will receive a medal upon completion of the course.

Find out more at Run 4 Time.

5. Carlingford Half Marathon & 10k, Co Louth

2 March 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

road running races Ireland
Image: Carlingford Half Marathon & 10k

In 2019, 26Extreme is organizing the Carlingford Half Marathon & 10k in order to raise funds for St. Brigid’s Special School in Dundalk. Both races begin in the gorgeous village of Carlingford and treat participants to views of the Cooley peninsula, Ballagan Point, Mourne Mountains & Carlingford Lough. Water will be provided along the course. Finishers will receive a medal and post-event refreshments.

Find out more at 26Extreme.

6. Mullingar Half Marathon, Co Westmeath

17 March 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: Mullingar Half Marathon

The Mullingar Half-Marathon is definitely the event for securing a personal best for those 13.1 miles. This quaint town will come alive during this race, with plenty of enthusiastic fans cheering you on from the sidelines. Also, pacers will be available for those wishing to complete the half in the following times: 1hr 30, 1hr 45, 2hrs, and 2hr 15. Water stations will be at three different locations on the route, ensuring that you are well hydrated the entire way through.

Find out more at Mullingar Half Marathon.

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7. Wicklow Gaol Break, Co Wicklow

24 March 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Running Events 2019
Image: Wicklow Gaol Break

Co Wicklow is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Ireland, so, why not spend an entire day running among the hills, mountains, and valleys of Wicklow in a half-marathon or 10km run? The comradery, excitement, and overall positivity of the Wicklow Gaol Break runs is palpable, and you’ll have the time of your life running through the stunning scenery with your fellow runners.

Find out more at Wicklow Gaol Break.

8. Clare Island 10km, Co Mayo

6 April 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races in ireland
Image: Lisa Chambers

The Clare Island 10km is a hilly 10k that gives you all the best island and sea views. The run supports Cancer Care West and whether you’re an avid runner, a scenic walker, or just a family looking for a fun activity, this event is for you.

Find out more at Cancer Care West.

9. Connemarathon, Co Galway

14 April 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: Connemarathon

The Connemarathon takes you all along the various routes that will show you the beauty that Connemara has to offer. The half marathon begins in Leenane and finishes in Maam Cross. Expect two extremely tough hills on this route! The full marathon starts at Lough Inagh, a gorgeous, shimmering lake that will take your breath away even more than the run! The Ultramarathon will have you running 39.3 miles, traversing some of the amazing landscapes of the Connemara.

Find out more at Connemarathon.

10. Wexford Half Marathon, Co Wexford

28 April 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image: Wexford Half Marathon

The Wexford Half Marathon has proven time and time again to be a record-breaking course for runners. In 2012, a Guinness World Record was broken in retro running, and each year, hundreds of people see personal bests. The race has pacers for those wishing to break 1:30, 1:45, or 2 hours.

The friendliness and camaraderie present at this race are unmatched, and the variety of the countryside will ensure you enjoy every mile.

Find out more at Wexford Half Marathon.

11. Sumo Run, Co Dublin

TBC April 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image Sumo Run Ireland

If you’re looking for a bit of a laugh and a whole lot of craic during your next run, then the Purple House Sumo Run is definitely the race for you. Before the 5km race, participants will dress up in large, inflatable Sumo suits and then run the whole way in the costume. This run is in aid of Purple House Cancer Support, so participants will be running in order to raise funds to support families affected by cancer in Ireland.

Anyone over the age of seven is welcomed to join the race, and the sumo suit is included in the entry fee, so feel free to take it home after the race.

Find out more at Sumo Run.

12. Wild Atlantic Ultra, Co Mayo

25 May 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: Wild Atlantic Ultra

Take in the beautiful scenery of Co Mayo during this 50-miler (or marathon) for the Wild Atlantic Ultra. The run takes you around stunning imagery such as Croagh Patrick, Sheefrey Pass, Tawynard Forest, Doolough Valley, Clew Bay and the Atlantic Coast – giving you a near perfect view of the West. The race is chip-timed, and participants will be treated to after-race refreshments and an after party to celebrate their accomplishment!

Find out more at Wild Atlantic Ultra.

13. Half on the Head, Co Kerry

15 June 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image: Half on the Head (Kerryhead Half Marathon)

The Half on the Head follows an amazing, scenic route from Ballyheigue Village all the way around Kerryhead. The run takes you along the Wild Atlantic Way by the Shannon Estuary, giving you views across the mouth of the river all the way to Co Clare. The glorious coastline of Kerry will be your backdrop as you set your pace, and Tralee Bay and Mount Brandon will be present along the way. A 10k run will also be available.

Find out more at Run Ireland.

14. Achill Half-Marathon & 10k, Co Mayo

6 July 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image: Ireland is My Passion

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Ireland’s outstanding claims to fame, and it’s easy to see why. Experience all that this route has to offer with the Achill Half Marathon and 10k. Running past vast bogs, scenic mountains, and golden-sand beaches, this race’s route will have you gaping at the beauty of Ireland. The route will have adequate water stations along the way.

Find out more at Achill Marathon.

15. Run Killarney, Co Kerry

20 July 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

run-killarney

Killarney National Park is a hub of sparkling lakes, serene valleys, rolling hills, and steady streams. Enjoy the views of all of this nature during Run Killarney’s 10k or half-marathon race. The 10k event starts at the Gleneagle Hotel and takes you on a scenic route through the park. The half-marathon starts at Molls Gap and gives you the chance to run the rolling hills of Killarney National Park with some great company. After the races, participants will be treated to massages, hot-tubs, and a post-race party!

Find out more at Run Killarney.

16. Never Give Up 5k/10k, Co Wexford

28 July 2019

Suitable for: Beginners

road running races ireland
Image: Never Give Up 5K/10K

The Never Give Up 5k/10k race is a charity run in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The looped course will take you on either one or two laps around the countryside of Co Wexford, and all proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the Irish Cancer Society.

Find out more at Never Give Up.

17. Newry Mourne Women’s Mini Marathon, Co Down

4 Aug 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races ireland
Image: 26Extreme

This run is designed with women empowerment in mind. This is a 10k run that is perfect for any woman up to the challenge. The run will take you along the picturesque countryside of Newry and Mourne and has a short elevation at the beginning, but mostly descends throughout the entire run. Marshalls and water stations will be present throughout the race course.

Find out more at 26Extreme.

18. Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin, Co Dublin

10-11 Aug 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Road running races Ireland
Image: Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin

Ready to rock ‘n’ roll in the new year? Music lovers all around Ireland are in for a treat in 2019, as Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin returns to the city. Runners will be treated to live music all along the course along the River Liffey, with various bands all performing along the route.

After the race is over, join the hundreds of competitors for the headliner concert at the finish line festival. This year, The Blizzards Rock will be headlining the concert at the finish.

Find out more at Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin.

19. KBC Dublin Marathon, Co Dublin

27 Oct 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: Dublin Marathon

Take to the streets of Dublin with the thousands of excited runners that turn out every year for the Dublin Marathon. This course is relatively flat, ensuring some great speed can be picked up! The enthused crowds pump energy into the racers as they cheer on from the sidelines – so it is definitely a marathon that wants to see you succeed.

Find out more at Run Ireland.

20. Run in the Dark, Co Dublin, Co Cork, Co Antrim

TBC Nov 2019

Suitable for: Everyone

Image: Run in the Dark

Join the Mark Pollock Trust and thousands of runners during the Run in the Dark events in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast this year to support the trust’s ongoing research to find a cure for spinal cord injury. This nighttime run will have an option of 5km or 10km distances and works as a fundraiser for the Mark Pollock Trust. Mark Pollock, who became blind in 1998, suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in 2010 when he fell from a second story window that left him paralysed. Since then, Mark has dedicated his life to finding a cure for paralysis.

Find out more at Run in the Dark.

21. Clonakilty Marathon, Co Cork

8 Dec 2019

Suitable for: Experts

Road running races Ireland
Image: Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon

The Clonakilty Marathon, half marathon, and 10k runs offer a thrilling challenge, energetic atmospheres, and stunning scenery. Run along coastlines, golden sand beaches, and lush green valleys. Hundreds of people come out for this international marathon each year, so the camaraderie and encouragement are palpable.

Find out more at RunClon.ie.

 

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By Heather Snelgar

  1. Kate
    January 16, 2019

    Lough Boora Forest apark Half Marathon on 7 April 2019 should’ve added to this list!! https://www.myrunresults.com/events/lough_boora_half_marathon__5k/2908/details

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