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sport · Sunday 13 September 2026 · 10:00am 
Charleville International Half Marathon
At Bakers Road, Charleville · Bakers Road, Charleville, Co. Cork
At Bakers Road, Charleville · Bakers Road, Charleville, Co. Cork
The Charleville International Half Marathon has built a strong following among Irish runners precisely because it does what few races manage: it is genuinely flat. Organised by North Cork AC, it draws competitors from across Ireland and beyond each September, and the combination of a fast course, chip timing and a manageable field makes it a reliable target for runners chasing a personal best. Whether you are a seasoned road racer or running your first half marathon, the lollipop-shaped route through North Cork and into County Limerick gives everyone a fair shot.
The race starts and finishes on Bakers Road, near St Joseph’s Foundation on the edge of Charleville. From there, runners head east on long, straight sections of road that run roughly parallel to the Dublin-Cork railway line - the kind of flat, open road that lets you settle into a rhythm and hold it. The halfway point is the historic walled town of Kilmallock in County Limerick, where the course loops back and runners retrace the route home.
Total ascent over the 21.1km is around 68 metres, with the one notable feature being a short bridge crossing. The final stretch back into Charleville includes a slight uphill into the finish area - earned, but manageable. The course holds an AAI International Permit and is accurately measured, so finish times are fully certifiable.
Chip timing is used throughout, with a halfway split mat at Kilmallock. A 2-hour-30-minute race limit applies due to road closure permits. The 2025 race was won in 1:05:43 for the men and 1:15:22 for the women, giving a sense of how fast the field runs on this course. A portion of proceeds goes to St Joseph’s Foundation, which supports people with intellectual disabilities in the area.
Charleville sits on the N20 in North Cork, roughly 65km north of Cork city and 35km south of Limerick. It is well served by road from both directions. The M20 motorway project has improved the Cork-Limerick corridor significantly in recent years.
Bus Eireann serves Charleville on the Cork-Limerick express route, with stops in the town centre. The start on Bakers Road is a short walk from the centre. If driving, parking is available in and around the town; arriving early on race morning is advisable as the road closure schedule applies from the start time at 10am.
Charleville is the gateway town for North Cork - compact, friendly, and well placed for exploring the wider region. The surrounding countryside is good dairy farming land with quiet roads and a genuine local pace. There is more to see in Charleville and across Co. Cork.
Heading to Bakers Road, Charleville in Charleville? Cork has plenty more to see. Read the Charleville area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.