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sport · Sunday 9 August 2026 · 10:00am 
Coleraine Coastal Half Marathon
At Coleraine Town Hall · Coleraine Town Hall, Main Street, Coleraine, Co. Derry, BT52 1ND
At Coleraine Town Hall · Coleraine Town Hall, Main Street, Coleraine, Co. Derry, BT52 1ND
The Coleraine Coastal Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile road race organised by Coleraine Athletic Club, starting and finishing at Coleraine Town Hall on the morning of Sunday 9 August 2026. The route heads out from the town centre along the Causeway coast road, taking runners through the outskirts of Coleraine before opening onto the north coast - wide views of the Bann Estuary, wind-shaped pines, and the kind of dramatic coastline this part of Co. Derry is known for. It suits experienced distance runners who want a proper challenge with scenery to match: this is not a flat city race.
The course follows the coast road towards Portstewart and back, covering around 700 feet of elevation gain across the full distance - a mix of rolling climbs and quick descents, with paved roads for most of the route and occasional uneven sections. The route is well-marshalled throughout, with water stations at regular intervals. Conditions on the north coast in August can include a stiff onshore breeze, which is a help going in one direction and honest work on the return leg. Trail-ready shoes with good grip are worth considering over standard road shoes.
The race is open to all levels in principle, but Coleraine Athletic Club note it is best suited to experienced distance runners who are comfortable with the 13.1-mile distance on varied terrain. Finishers receive a medal and refreshments at the finish line back at the Town Hall.
Coleraine is on the A29 road, roughly 55 miles north-west of Belfast and 35 miles east of Derry city. By car from Belfast, the most direct route is the M22 motorway and then the A26 through Ballymena - allow about an hour. From Derry, the A2 coastal route or A29 inland both take around 45 minutes.
Translink operates rail services to Coleraine station from Belfast (journey time around 1 hour 15 minutes, with a change at Ballymena or Antrim) and bus services from Derry city (around 45 minutes). The Town Hall is a short walk from the station. Parking is available in Coleraine town centre; arriving early on race morning is sensible as spaces near the start fill quickly.
Coleraine sits on the River Bann and makes a good base for the north coast - Portstewart Strand, the Dark Hedges, and the Giant’s Causeway are all within easy reach. There is more to see in Coleraine and across Co. Derry.
Heading to Coleraine Town Hall in Coleraine? Derry has plenty more to see. Read the Coleraine area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.