Waterford basks in sunshine as runners take to streets for Viking Marathon 

Pictured at the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon 2026 is Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan with Ireland’s youngest Mt Everest summiteer lead at the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon, Adam Sweeney at the start line. Photograph: Patrick Browne

On the longest day of the year, Waterford basked in the heat and an atmosphere of celebration, achievement and community spirit at the weekend as a record-breaking 5,200 participants took part in the largest WLR Waterford Viking Marathon in the event’s history.

In addition to the large number of participants thousands of people also lined the streets to witness the event.

Pictured at the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon 2026 are Tara Ronan and Emma Ayres. Photograph: Patrick Browne

It was an incredible success and the organisers couldn't have wished for better weather in which to hold the event.

The race began in the Mall after the mass of runners participated in an incredible ‘Viking Clap’. 

The start was marked by the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Seamus Ryan, and marathon participant and the youngest ever Everest summiteer, Adam Sweeney.

Pictured at the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon 2026 are brother and sister Martin Carroll and Alma Carroll nearing the finish where they were joined by Eve, Holly and Ava carroll. Photograph: Patrick Browne

From tiny first-time runners at the Children’s Fun Run to marathon veterans crossing the finish line after 26.2 unforgettable miles, the 14th edition of the event transformed Ireland’s oldest city into a spectacular festival of sport, music, colour and Viking spirit.

Pick up a copy of tomorrow's print edition of Waterford News & Star to see a range of photos from the event in the sports section of the paper.