Dingle Marathon and Half Marathon

The Dingle Marathon and Half Marathon takes runners out along one of Ireland’s most scenic stretches of coast on Saturday, 5 September, starting and finishing in Dingle town. Both races follow the same route out towards Ventry and on to Slea Head before turning back, with the marathon continuing further along the peninsula than the half. The 2026 race is already sold out, with a waiting list open for anyone hoping for a late place.

What to expect

Races start at 9:00am sharp, with runners advised to arrive at least half an hour early. The half marathon has a 3 hour 30 minute cut-off and the marathon a 6-hour cut-off, both measured from the gun, after which course supports including marshalling, refreshments and toilets are withdrawn. The route runs along the coast road with views out over Dingle Bay and, further along, the Atlantic, and it is widely rated one of the toughest and most scenic road marathon courses in the country because of the climbs on the Slea Head stretch. There is a wheelchair category among the prizes. After the half marathon finish, free buses run competitors back to Milltown Bridge, about a kilometre from the start line, to collect cars left there.

Getting there

Three free car parks operate from 7:00am, each five to ten minutes’ walk from the start line in Dingle. All vehicles must be moved by 4:00pm. Anyone staying in Dingle town itself is best off walking to the start rather than driving.

While you’re in Dingle

Dingle is the natural base for race weekend, with the town’s pubs, restaurants and harbour all within walking distance of the finish line. There is more to see in Dingle and across Co. Kerry.

Good to know

• Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
• Start: 9:00am, marathon and half marathon
• Start/finish: Dingle town, via Ventry and Slea Head
• Status: sold out; waiting list open at dinglemarathon.ie
• Cut-offs: 3h30 for the half, 6h for the full