What you need to know ahead of the Cork City Marathon

Some 550 international participants from 26 different countries are expected to join more than 10,000 entries as they walk, run, or jog through the streets of Cork this weekend

Cork City Marathon features a full marathon,  half-marathon, and 10km race. Picture: Denis Minihane 

This weekend will see a flurry of activity on Leeside as Cork City Marathon gets under way. 

So, what's going on? 

The Cork City Marathon will take place on Sunday, June 2. 

Some 550 international participants from 26 different countries are expected to join more than 10,000 entries as they walk, run, or jog through the streets of Cork.

More than €100,000 has been raised for various local and national charities so far, as runners and supporters continue to fundraise ahead of the event.

Organisers have said the marathon is "a celebration of community and the vibrant spirit of our beloved city, showcasing Cork’s inclusivity and generosity".

How many races are taking place?

There will be three different races on the day: The full marathon, the half-marathon, and the 10km race.

What time does the marathon start?

The full marathon will start at 8.15am from St Patrick’s St.

The 10k run will start 30 minutes later at 8.45am, again from St Patrick’s St. All 10km runners are asked to meet at 8.15am at Merchant’s Quay.

Those taking part in the half marathon are asked to meet at Kennedy Park before the 10.15am start time at Monahan Rd.

Participants are invited to drop their bags in City Hall’s underground car park on Eglington St from 7am until 5pm.

Will the organisers post my bib and chip to my house?

No, you must collect your race pack, including bib and chip, at registration in Cork City Hall on Friday or the day before the race. 

You can give your registration form and the barcode to someone else so they can collect your race pack, chip, and bib if you can't make it to Cork City Hall on those days.

Registration is in Cork City Hall on either Friday, May 31, from 12pm to 7pm, or Saturday, June 1, from 11am to 6pm.

Will there be road closures?

Yes. St Patrick’s St will be closed to traffic from 4.30am on Sunday until 6pm that evening.

North Main St, Adelaide St, Kyle St, Castle St, and Liberty St will be closed from 7am until 4pm while Washington St will be closed to inbound traffic from 7am until 4pm.

The South Mall and Grand Parade will be closed from 7am to 10.30am while Parnell St, Merchant’s Quay, and Lavitt’s Quay will be closed from 7am until 10.45am.

Various other road closures will be in place across the city and surrounding areas until 4pm at the latest.

Will public transport be affected?

Yes. Additional early rail services are scheduled from Cobh and Mallow at 7am and Midleton at 7.15am.

City and suburban bus services will be restricted. Commuters are asked to check both Cork City Marathon’s website and Bus Éireann for more information.

Park and Ride will be operating every eight to 12 minutes from the Black Ash Centre from 6.15am. The service will cost €5 for the day.

I’m running my first marathon this weekend. Any advice?

“I think once you finish the marathon, that is the main thing.” 

That's what two-time winner Gary O'Hanlon says. O’Hanlon won the marathon in 2018 and 2019 after finishing second on three occasions.

He said that everyone is going to have their own individual goals.

Everybody has a goal going into it, so everybody gets something from it and it could be someone hitting their personal best or someone who ran their fastest time for 10 years and they are delighted with that.

This year, O'Hanlon is aiming to hit the two-hour, 30-minute mark.

Will I need to carry a water bottle during my run?

You can if you wish, however, there will be 13 water stations throughout the course. Both water and period products will be available at seven stations.

The 13 water stations will be located at: 

• The back of the Metropole Hotel
• Across from Flemings Restaurant on the Lower Glanmire Rd
• Beyond Silversprings Hotel
• Outside Mahon Point 
• Outside Blackrock Castle, in the car park 
• Atlantic Pond beside Páirc Uí Chaoimh (end of railway line) 
• Outside the Elysian at the corner of Albert St
• McDonalds on Curragh Rd
• The Lough, at the pub 
• Leevale, Farranlea Rd 
• The corner of Inchigaggin Lane and the Carrigrohane road
• The Kingsley Hotel 
• The Distillery Gates at the end of Slí Cumann na mBan 
• The finish line

The water stations with period products will be located at:

• Mahon Point 
• Blackrock Castle
• Atlantic Pond  
• The Lough 
• Leevale 
• The Kingsley Hotel
• The finish line.

Period products will be in a cardboard box at the end of the last table. Additional period products will be available at the City Hall bag drop and the start line of the half marathon.

Will there be toilets on the course?

Yes, toilets will be available in City Hall and portable toilets will be located along the course.