Belfast Marathon

Belfast Marathon course route

The Belfast Marathon is a mostly flat city loop starting and finishing at City Hall, taking in the Titanic Quarter, Stormont, and the Lagan towpath through north and east Belfast. Gentle undulations along the river are the main terrain change, and support is strongest at Donegall Square and community stations through the Titanic Quarter and Lagan corridor.

Belfast Marathon elevation profile

The Belfast Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 222 metres of climbing and 243 metres of descent, with a net descent of 21 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Belfast Marathon, the Belfast City Marathon is typically held on the first Sunday of May each year. May in Belfast is early spring, with mild and often changeable weather. Visit belfastcitymarathon.com for confirmed dates and registration.

Belfast Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

New Belfast marathon route for 2019 officially revealed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Belfast Marathon elevation profile?

The Belfast Marathon has 222 metres of total climbing and 243 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 21 metres of net descent from start to finish.

How long is the Belfast Marathon?

The Belfast Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the City Hall.

What time does the Belfast Marathon start?

The 2027 Belfast Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on belfastcitymarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Is the Belfast Marathon flat?

The Belfast City Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations through the city centre, East Belfast, and the Titanic Quarter. There are no major sustained climbs, making it a manageable course for first-time marathon runners and those targeting steady pacing.

Does the Belfast Marathon pass the Titanic Quarter?

Yes. The course takes runners through Belfast's regenerated Titanic Quarter, passing the striking Titanic Belfast museum — built on the very slipways where the RMS Titanic was constructed. It is one of the most iconic sections of the race and a powerful reminder of the city's industrial heritage.

Is the Belfast City Marathon Northern Ireland's largest?

Yes. The Belfast City Marathon is Northern Ireland's biggest marathon event, attracting thousands of individual runners, relay teams, and wheelchair athletes each May. The event has grown significantly since its foundation and is now a centrepiece of Belfast's sporting calendar.

When is the Belfast City Marathon held?

The Belfast City Marathon is typically held on the first Sunday of May each year. May in Belfast is early spring, with mild and often changeable weather. Visit belfastcitymarathon.com for confirmed dates and registration.

Where does the Belfast Marathon start and finish?

The race starts and finishes in Belfast city centre near City Hall. The loop route takes runners through East Belfast, the Titanic Quarter, North Belfast, and West Belfast, giving a genuine cross-city tour of the capital of Northern Ireland.

Does the Belfast Marathon have a relay option?

Yes. The Belfast City Marathon is well known for its team relay format, which is enormously popular with corporate teams and running clubs. The marathon relay is one of the event's defining features and significantly boosts the overall atmosphere on race day.