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sport · Sunday 30 August 2026 · 09:00 
Streets of Longford 5K
At The Longford Arms Hotel (Start/Finish) · Main Street, Longford, Co. Longford
At The Longford Arms Hotel (Start/Finish) · Main Street, Longford, Co. Longford
The Streets of Longford 5K is the accessible entry point into one of the Midlands’ most-loved race weekends. Run as part of the Abbott Longford Marathon - now in its 26th year - this 5K draws everyone from seasoned club runners to families doing their first timed road race. It starts and finishes on Main Street in the centre of Longford town, with the Longford Arms Hotel as race HQ. Well-organised, flat, and with a genuine community atmosphere, it is a solid choice for anyone who wants a friendly race outside of a city setting.
The 5K sets off a few minutes after the marathon and half marathon guns go at 09:00, so there is already an energy on the streets when the shorter distance runners cross the start. The course runs through the streets of Longford town - well-marked throughout with each mile posted. Local musicians line parts of the route, which gives the event a warmth that bigger city races can lack.
Participants must be 18 or over, or 12 and over with a parent or responsible adult present. Number collection opens at 06:00 on race morning at the Longford Arms Hotel; there is also a Saturday afternoon collection window from 13:00 to 18:00 at the same venue. New entries can be registered at race HQ on Saturday afternoon. The marathon was founded in 2002 in memory of local runner Liam Fenelon’s 100th marathon, and that community spirit runs through every distance on the programme.
From Dublin, take the N4/M4 west - roughly 130km and about 90 minutes by car. Irish Rail runs direct trains from Dublin Connolly to Longford Station on the Sligo line in around 90 minutes. Bus Eireann also serves the town from Dublin, Athlone, and Sligo. Parking in Longford town centre is available on Battery Road and New Street; given race-morning road closures, arriving early or staying overnight is the most relaxed option.
Longford sits at the edge of Ireland’s lake district, with Lough Ree a short drive south and the Royal Canal Greenway passing through the county - worth a walk or cycle if you have time around race day. There is more to see in Longford and across Co. Longford.
Heading to The Longford Arms Hotel (Start/Finish) in Longford? Longford has plenty more to see. Read the Longford area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.