Over 12,000 runners take over Cork City as marathon underway

Sam Cassidy and Maria Deus pictured ahead of the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon 2026, a Cork City Council event. Picture Chani Anderson

The 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon is now in full swing with a mood of positivity firmly in the air around Leeside.

Proceedings got under way with the full marathon commencing this morning at 8:15am.

In total, 12,300 runners are taking to the streets across the full marathon, half marathon national championships and 10K events, with approximately 25,000 spectators in attendance across Cork city cheering on.

According to Cork Marathon race officials, there are 1000 race staff on duty, with 12,000 bananas and 100,000 water bottles of water on hand to boost the energy levels of the runners.

One of the major changes to the event this year is the new city centre start and finish line located on Grand Parade.

Meanwhile, Cork also is turning yellow for the marathon this year in memory of Ellen Cassidy, the 24 year old runner who tragically passed away after the 2025 half marathon.

More than 220 of Ellen’s family and friends are coming together to run and walk the Half Marathon and 10K events to celebrate Ellen’s life and the joy she brought to sport and to Cork.

Exuberant runners make their way through the streets of Cork during the 10K event at the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon 2026, a Cork City Council event. Picture: Chani Anderson

Among the tributes include Ellen’s name featuring inside a yellow heart on all 2026 finisher medals.

The Ellen Cassidy Perpetual Cups are to be awarded for the Half Marathon, an inaugural Ellen Cassidy Spirit of Running Award has also been established, while there was a yellow balloon release ahead of the half marathon start.