For The Runners: All You Need to Know  

29/05/2026

The Full Marathon

The marathon starts on Grand Parade at 8.15am. Runners can only enter the Grand Parade via the junction of the South Mall and Parnell Place. This will open at 7.30 am where a bib number check will be in operation.

The 10K

The 10K starts on South Mall at 8.45am. 10K Runners can assemble from 8am on Parnell Place and will be escorted down South Mall from 8.20am after the Full Marathon has started and through the bib number check.

The Half Marathon

The Half Marathon starts on Monahan Road. There will be two waves. Runners will assemble in Kennedy Park in their chosen wave., with first wave starting at 10.15am. This will include the 1:30, 1:40, 1:45 and 1:50 pacers.  The second wave, led by the 2 hour pacers, will start at 10.30am. Runners should pick the wave appropriate to their predicted finishing time.

However club runners running in the national championship must run in Wave 1 regardless of predicted time as National Championship results are done by Gun Time.

All three races will finish on Grand Parade, bringing runners into the heart of the city for the final stretch. Runners are reminded of the importance of proper race day preparation and having gotten appropriate and adequate training in advance of race day. 

Race Pack Collection & Marathon Expo

Race packs, including bib and timing chip, must be collected in advance at the Cork City Hall Expo. Registration will take place on Friday, May 29 from 12pm to 7pm and Saturday, May 30 from 11am to 6pm.

The Marathon Expo will run alongside registration across both days, giving runners and visitors the opportunity to meet exhibitors, browse race gear and connect with event partners and charities. The Runners Diary Podcast will be live at the Expo Saturday from 12 midday.

Baggage Drop

A baggage drop facility will be available at Cork City Hall on race day, Sunday, May 31, operating from approximately 7am to 5pm.

Course Amenities

 A full range of on-course supports will be in place, including 13 water stations across the full marathon route and two along the 10K course, with locations published on the official course map in advance of race day.

Toilet facilities will be available at Cork City Hall, near start areas and at the finish line on Grand Parade, alongside additional portaloos positioned throughout the route. Period products will also be available at designated toilet facilities.

Participants are encouraged to review the official course map in advance to familiarise themselves with facilities and plan accordingly:

 https://www.corkcity.ie/media/mgymyeyk/cc-marathon-map-2026.pdf

Runners may also choose to use personal hydration systems where preferred.