Cork City Marathon

Location: Cork
Country: Ireland
Website: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-city-marathon/
2025 Marathon Date: 01/06/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 31/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:18:56
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Cork City Marathon is one of Ireland’s most respected city races, offering a supportive atmosphere and a tour of Ireland’s second city each summer. With a route that blends urban energy with green suburban sections, the Cork City Marathon strikes a balance between community warmth and competitive edge.

The course is a mixture of loops and out-and-back sections, with the River Lee acting as a natural anchor point. Runners pass through the city centre, outlying residential areas, and parkland stretches. While the terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, a few sections demand attention, especially as the course returns to town.

The event takes place in early June, with conditions usually cool and cloudy at the start but capable of warming through the morning. Irish weather being unpredictable, runners may face anything from ideal overcast skies to mild sun or light drizzle. The course handles all conditions well, with good drainage and minimal surface issues.

Organisation is polished, and the local running community plays a key role. From efficient bib pick-up to marshals and pacing teams, the Cork City Marathon benefits from deep local knowledge and pride. Aid stations are plentiful and volunteers enthusiastic, creating a welcoming experience for locals and visiting athletes alike.

For sub-3 chasers, the Cork City Marathon offers enough depth to find pacing support, without the crowding of larger races. The route rewards control and consistent effort, especially in the later stages. The event’s size and accessibility make it a strong option for those building towards a bigger race or looking for a credible standalone marathon in a culturally rich setting.

Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced racer, the Cork City Marathon is a thoughtful, community-driven event that reflects the best of Irish road running -warm, fair, and honest.