Donegal Half Marathon

Every August, Letterkenny fills up with runners from across Ireland and beyond for the Donegal Half Marathon - one of the most popular road races in the north west. First held in 2014 with an ambition of drawing 1,000 runners, it has grown steadily and recorded over 1,400 entries in recent years. The course has been redesigned since 2022 to run faster and flatter, making it a strong choice for anyone chasing a personal best as well as for those simply looking to finish. Relay teams are also welcome, so it suits groups and clubs as much as solo runners.

What to expect

The race starts on the Conwal straight and takes in four miles of relatively flat town roads before heading out over the Oldtown Bridge, through Bomany and New Mills, and on to Rashedog. Runners then loop back into Letterkenny along the main Glenties Road via Tullygay and Conwal, crossing the finish line on the Danny McDaid Track at the Aura Leisure Centre. The track is named for Daniel McDaid, the two-time Olympian and four-time Irish marathon champion who was born in Letterkenny - finishing here carries a bit of weight for anyone who knows their Irish athletics history. The cut-off time is three hours, which is generous enough for most paces. Start time is 9.20am, so an early rise is needed but the morning is usually well underway before the summer heat builds.

Getting there

Letterkenny sits at the head of Lough Swilly in north-west Donegal, about 35 minutes from Derry City and just over two hours from Dublin by car. From Derry take the A2 / N13 west; from Dublin, the N2 to Monaghan then the N14 is the most direct road. Bus Eireann connects Letterkenny to Dublin and Derry via regular Expressway services, with the town centre bus stops a short walk from the Aura Leisure Centre. On race day, road closures will affect parts of the town centre from early morning - arriving by 8.30am gives time to park, register if collecting a bib, and get to the start line without rushing. Parking is available at the Aura Leisure Centre and at several nearby car parks in town.

While you’re in Letterkenny

The town has a good range of places to eat and recover after a race, and Donegal’s coastline and hills are within easy reach for anyone adding a day or two around the event. There is more to see in Letterkenny and across Co. Donegal.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026
• Start time: 9.20am (be at the venue by 8.30am)
• Price: from €35
• Relay teams: accepted - check the official registration for team entry details
• Cut-off time: 3 hours
• Register: via Running Calendar Ireland or Eventmaster
• Venue: Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal