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Cork City Marathon

CorkIreland

Next race

Sunday, 6 June 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Cork City Marathon draws approximately 1,855 finishers each June through Ireland's rebel city on the River Lee. The course passes St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the English Market, and the University College Cork campus on rolling Munster terrain. June's long Irish summer evenings and the warm Cork welcome make it the Republic's largest marathon outside Dublin.

Cork City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 1,855 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid summer

12–15°C · humidity 75–85%

Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Cork City Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Cork City Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the City Hall on the South Mall. The loop crosses the River Lee bridges, passes UCC campus, and follows the Marina waterfront. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.

Cork City Marathon route map

Registration

Cork City Marathon entry requirements

The Cork City Marathon accepts entries through corkcitymarathon.ie on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the June Bank Holiday race typically opens the previous autumn. There is no ballot or qualifying time for the mass field, though popular relay and team categories can fill before the full marathon distance.

Getting there

Cork City Marathon travel

Airports closest to Cork for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Cork International Airport (ORK)

6 km / 4 mi

Race footage

Cork City Marathon videos

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

Cork City Marathon 2025 | Prep and Race Day

Cork City Marathon Route

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cork City Marathon elevation profile?
The Cork City Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Cork City Marathon route map?
This page includes a Cork City Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the River Lee bridges, passes UCC campus, and follows the Marina waterfront.
How long is the Cork City Marathon?
The Cork City 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 on the South Mall.
What time does the Cork City Marathon start?
The 2027 Cork City Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Cork City Marathon start?
The race starts and finishes at Cork City Hall on the South Mall, beside the River Lee. Course maps are published before race weekend.
When is the Cork City Marathon?
The Cork City Marathon is held on the first Monday of June (June Bank Holiday). It is Ireland's only major Monday marathon.
Is the Cork marathon hilly?
Cork's hillside streets add rolling terrain with moderate climbs. It is hillier than flat Dublin but not mountainous.
What landmarks does the Cork marathon pass?
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the English Market, University College Cork, and the Marina waterfront are course highlights.
What weather should I expect in Cork in June?
June in Cork is mild Irish summer, often 12–18 °C (54–64 °F) with a chance of Atlantic rain. Long daylight hours extend the race-day atmosphere.

Official resources

Cork City Marathon links

Websites

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Cork.

Dublin Marathon
DublinIreland· 219 km away

Dublin Marathon

The Dublin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 20k finishers on an urban road in Dublin, Ireland. The course starts on Leeson Street Lower near St Stephen's Green and finishes on Mount Street Upper by the Pepper Canister Church. The route passes the Liberties, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, Terenure, Clonskeagh, and Merrion Road. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on Liffey bridge crossings.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

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Planning guides

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

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