Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the races start at?
The Full Marathon commences at 8:15am (City Centre) and the Half Marathon commences at 10:15am (Monahan Road)
The 10k race commences at 8:45am (St. Patricks Street), assembly for this race will commence at 8:15am at Merchant’s Quay.
Can I participate with a hand bike in the race?
No participant may bring baby joggers, prams, baby strollers, buggies, skateboards, roller-skates, rollerblades, hand cycles, hand bikes, unicycles, bicycles, or any other wheeled device on the course, except for wheelchairs.
Exceptions may be given to those with specialist running buggies, who are fundraising for a charity, or those who have had a long-running tradition of partaking in the Cork City Marathon. These exceptions are at the discretion of the Race Team, and they must be contacted in advance (4 weeks minimum) for permission.
Cork City Marathon Team does not have the capacity to respond to every application received and will follow up only with those applications who have been successful in their application.
Will my race bib and chip be posted out to me?
No, you must collect your race pack, including bib and chip, at registration in Cork City Hall on Friday or the day before the race. If you can’t make it to registration yourself, you may give your registration form (with the barcode) to someone else so they can pick it up for you. Please make sure they know your Date of Birth and your mobile number. Registration is in Cork City Hall on either Friday 30th May (12pm-7pm) or Saturday 31st May (11am–6pm).
Is there a facility for baggage drop?
Yes, in Cork City Hall on Sunday June 1st, we’ll open from about 7am until about 5pm.
What is the minimum age to enter the event?
The minimum age to partake in the marathon and half marathon races is 18 years of age.
The minimum age to partake in the 10K is 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
Are tickets still available to be booked online?
Yes we have a link to tickets on our website. All tickets are sold through Eventmaster.
Marathon Photos
Your Marathon Photos can be purchased from Marathon Photos Live. You can register interest here
Are (bone conducting) headphones allowed?
It is greatly discouraged to use any type of headphones during the race. A runner who uses headphones is less aware of their surroundings. People with headphones can’t hear people behind them passing them out and can’t hear instructions from pacers and stewards such as ‘to watch the kerb on the left’ etc. It takes away from their concentration. Thus, runners who wear headphones are more susceptible to injury. Therefore, we ask all runners to not wear any type of headphones during the race to make the event safer for everyone.
Can I wear a hydration backpack for the race?
Yes, you can absolutely wear a hydration pack when running a marathon or any race. Just remember you want to wear it while training as well, so there is nothing new for you on race day.
More and more runners bring their own hydration backpack, bottles or vests to races now to cut down on plastic bottles – a great way to protect the planet.
Can I bring my own bottle for the race?
Yes, absolutely! Either two small handhelds (one in each hand for even weight distribution) or one handheld will do the trick for shorter run. Flasks are great because they’re there when you need them, and you can stash them when you don’t.
If you only want one, pass it back and forth between hands each mile—it’ll prevent you from developing imbalances and give you something to focus on as the miles tick by..
If you prefer to stow your necessities on your waist, a lumbar pack or belt are ideal. Placing the weight of water on the small of your back in the centre is the best place to distribute that weight without throwing off your form. Plus, packs have room to stow your fluids and other fuel or gear you may need such as gels, snacks, or sunscreen.
Another option would be running vest, which is popular among trail and ultra runners.
More and more runners bring their own hydration backpack, bottles, or vests to races now to cut down on plastic bottles – a great way to protect the planet.
Will there be pacers?
Yes, we will have some brilliant pacers for the marathon to help you.
The Cork City Marathon has a professional vastly experienced team of pacers placed at every 15 minutes starting at 3hours and ending at 5 hours. For 2025 we are hoping to extend this. Some of our Pacers have represented their countries, some are ultra-marathon runners and all have bags of experience. The pacers (at least 2 at each time slot) will run the race at an even pace and finish the race just under their predicted time.
Pacers will generally cross the line 30 seconds ahead of schedule to allow for runners who are struggling over the last mile of the race to get in on time. Pacers pace chip time rather than gun time so don’t panic when you see the clock coming at the finish line the pacer will be pacing according to when they crossed the start line so it’s important to start in the correct area where your pacer is.
Will there be toilets on the course?
Yes, toilets will be available in City Hall, close to the start line and at the finish line. We will also have portaloos throughout the course, the location will be finalised and announced closer to the event and will be added to our map. For 2024 for the first time we supplied period products at water stations that were located near portaloos. We will continue and improve this for 2025.
Is there chip timing?
Yes, all bibs are time chipped which means your start time will be read when you cross the start line and logged when you cross the finish line. All results will be found after the race on our website and on the app (details on this will be published closer to the race).
Will there be official photographers on the course?
Yes, we are working with Marathon Photos together who will take photos of all finishers. Your photos can be found later through your race number and purchased with Marathon Photos directly.
Where are the water stations?
There will be 13 water stations across the course. The locations of the water stations will be updated on the map closer to the event but will be similar to those on the map currently. The 10k race will have two water stations again for 2025.
Can I or any children join the runner on the course or on the finish line?
Under no circumstances can anyone not registered, or any child join the course. It is in our best interest to keep everyone safe and by doing this injury to both runners and children will be difficult to avoid.
Period Products available at Water Stations
As part of our ambition for better inclusion of women in races, we are delighted that in 2024 we made the positive change to supply period products at water stations. Locations where these are available have been added to the route map.
Refund for Pregnancy
We offer full refund or transfer to a future event for women who fall pregnant before the race
Are there shower facilities after the race?
No, there are no shower facilities after the race.
What are grounds for disqualification?
We want everyone to have a fun, fair and safe experience.
Disqualification can be enforced should anyone:
- Deviate from the official run route
- Behave in an unsporting manner
- Display antisocial or disruptive behaviour towards fellow runners, spectators, volunteers, or race officials
- Refuse to follow race officials’ instructions
- Publicly urinate or be publicly intoxicated
- Tamper with the integrity of the race e.g. tampering with timing chip/switching racing bibs
Is this an official marathon course?
Yes. The Cork City Marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a full marathon course. The Cork Marathon is also a full member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons).
Can I walk the marathon?
Yes. Walkers are very welcome to participate. Although there isn’t a separate category for walkers, the course time limit of 6 hours should allow most walkers to cross the finish line. However, please note that in order to facilitate critical road reopening:
You must reach the Jack Lynch Tunnel (mile 7.2) 2 hours after the start.
You must reach the South Link Road (mile 17.6) no later than 4 hours after the start. Both of these cut-off times are achievable at a pace of about 13.5mins/mile.
6 hours after the start, all roads will be re-opened, and anyone left on the course may be asked to move onto the pavements and adhere to normal traffic regulations. The finish line will remain open to accommodate walkers.
How will I get an official time for my race?
Each marathon participant will wear a timing chip in your race number bib. This will automatically log your start and finish time. Your official race time is gun-to-chip, but your chip time will also be listed in the results. The race results will be posted on our website shortly after the race finishes.
Will I receive a medal for finishing the marathon?
Yes! Everyone who finishes will receive a Cork City Marathon Medal.
Cork is a hilly city - how steep is the course?
Overall, the Cork City Marathon course is flatter than most marathons in Ireland. We start at 10 metres elevation and the greatest elevation will be around the 30-35km mark with a maximum of 35 metres elevation.
Will the course be marked in miles or kilometres?
The course is officially measured in miles, so the marking on the day will also be in miles. There will, however, be kilometre marks every 5km for the full marathon course.
Is this an official half-marathon course?
Yes. The Cork City Half Marathon is certified by Athletics Ireland.
Can I walk the half marathon?
Yes. Walkers are very welcome to participate. Although there isn’t a separate category for walkers, the course time limit should allow most walkers to cross the finish line. After 3.5 hours roads will be re-opened, and anyone left on the course may be asked to move onto the pavements and adhere to normal traffic regulations.
How will I get an official time for my race?
Each half-marathon participant will wear a timing chip in your race number bib. This will automatically log your start and finish time. Your official race time is gun-to-chip, but your chip time will also be listed in the results. The race results will be posted on our website shortly after the race finishes.
Will I receive a medal for finishing the half marathon?
Yes! Everyone who finishes will receive a Cork City Half Marathon Medal.
Can you run the 10K as a team?
The 10K route can by run in teams from 2+ members. The team leader can register their team-name when purchasing their ticket. The additional team members can select their team-name when registering.
Will you get a medal and t-shirt for the 10K?
Yes, if you cross the finish line, you get a special 10K medal. You can also get a t-shirt or alternatively you can contribute towards tree planting.
Are there prizes for the 10K?
Yes, there will be prizes for individual 10K runners and teams. You can find more information on the page 'Races - 10k race'.
10k team prize rules:
- Please see Race Rules and Prizes section for more details
- For teams to qualify, they must have a minimum of 4 runners registered to run the race.
- If a team has more than four runners, the result will be calculated based on the top four runner’s finishing positions.
- In an event of a draw, the winning team with the highest finisher place will win.
What is the 10K route and when will the race start?
The race will begin at 08:45 on St Patrick Street, following the start of the full marathon. Runners will proceed down St Patrick Street and outwards onto Washington Street/Western Road. From there, they will turn onto Mardyke walk and cross the river via Mardyke Bridge. The route will continue on the Banks of the Lee walkway before re-entering the city roads at the North Quay, proceeding along Popes Quay, and following the full marathon route out the N20 to its turnaround point. Once back in the city, the runners will turn left onto St Patricks Quay and cross the river again via Brian Boru Bridge. On the south side of the river, the race will move along Merchants Quay, turn onto North Main Street, and return to Washington Street before finishing on St Patricks Street.
There are several runners in my team. Do we need to fill out a form each?
Yes, the team leader registers first and registers the team-name. Then the team members each individually register their details and can select the team -name during registration.
How is the 10K event timed?
As with the marathon, your official time is from the starting gun to the chipped finish time. Everybody’s result will be published on the official race result website.
Will there be a water station during the 10K run?
Yes, there will be two water stations during the 10K run.
When do we register?
Registration is online (link to EventMaster.ie opens in new window) and you should register your team as soon as possible. At least one member of each 10K team must come to Cork City Hall to pick up your team’s race pack.
Is there a time limit for the 10K?
There is no time limit for the 10k but after 1hr 30 we will be asking walkers to go on footpaths along Camden Quay and Merchants Quay.
What does my entry fee cover?
The entry fee covers:
- the race
- water stations throughout the race with water and lucozade
- medical support
- Road Closures and Traffic Management
- Runner’s bib
- Runner’s t-shirt or support to plant a tree & finisher medal
- Goodie bag
- Post race refreshments
- Chip timing for an A.A.I certified race
Can I get a refund, deferment or change my ticket if I can't run?
In general your entry fee is not refundable this includes repeat bookings. Please check your emails and your Eventmaster account to make sure you haven’t booked already before making your booking.
We do offer full refund or deferral for Pregnancy.
Transfers between categories are allowed up to approximately 1 month before race day. More exact details on this closer to the event.
Entries cannot be deferred. The only exception would be due to injury and on submission of a medical cert at least 2 weeks prior to race day for consideration by the marathon team. In this case, entries can only be deferred once.
Can I change details of my booking for example my athletic club or t-shirt size?
When you received your registration email, you also got an email to activate your Event Master Account. If you activate or login to your account, you can see your tickets/orders. In the bottom left, you can see a green/blue button that says “Edit.” If you click that button, you can edit details including your t-shirt size and athletic club.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Yes you can do this through your eventmaster account up to a specific date roughly 1 month before race day. More exact details closer to race day.
Can I change from a Full Marathon Ticket to a Half Marathon Ticket?
Yes up until the Half Marathon sells out or a month before race day whichever comes first.
Changing of the ticket type will cancel your current ticket and creates a new one with selected ticket type, so please note this cannot be undone. When you received your registration email, you also got an email to activate your Event Master Account. If you activate or login to your account, you can see your tickets/orders. Below your order, you can see a green/blue button that says, “Change Ticket.” Clicking on this, you will be able to select to change your ticket. Please note there is no partial refund in changing from a Full Marathon Ticket to a 10K Ticket or Half Marathon Ticket or any other lower value ticket
Can I change from a Half Marathon Ticket to a Full Marathon Ticket?
Yes until full marathon is sold out or a month before race day whichever comes first.
Can I change my Half/Full Marathon Ticket to a 10K Ticket?
Yes until the 10k is sold out or a month before race day whichever comes first.
Changing of the ticket type will cancel your current ticket and creates a new one with selected ticket type, so please note this cannot be undone. When you received your registration email, you also got an email to activate your Event Master Account. If you activate or login to your account, you can see your tickets/orders. Below your order, you can see a green/blue button that says, “Change Ticket.” Clicking on this, you will be able to select to change your ticket. Please note there is no partial refund in changing from a Full Marathon Ticket to a 10K Ticket or Half Marathon Ticket or any other lower value ticket. After May 20th, it is not possible to change your ticket type and no ticket changes can be facilitated.
If your first ticket was an early bird ticket and that price is lower than the new ticket you want to change to, you have to pay the difference. However, you still have the benefit of changing races and your race will be timed and listed on official race times.
Can I give my race number to another runner?
No, to protect the integrity of the race and for health and safety reasons, you cannot. Should a runner get into difficulty, the medical team will use the medical information associated with the race number of the runner. However, you can pass your registration to someone else in advance of the race which is explained in this FAQ section.
Concession Tickets
Registration for concession tickets will close on Sunday the 11th of May (or until races sell out)
CONTACT US: If your question is not answered on this webpage please contact us on info@corkcitymarathon.ie or facebook messenger. Please note that the closer it is to raceday the longer it will take us to answer your query.