Course Map
About this Race
The Belfast City Marathon is Northern Ireland's flagship road race, a course through the capital that tours the city's neighborhoods and landmarks on gently rolling terrain before a stadium finish. The undulations give it some character without making it a brutal course. Held in early May, it offers cool spring conditions and warm, spirited local crowds. The city tour and the lively atmosphere define the day. It suits runners who want an accessible, well-supported Irish race in a cool-weather window and don't mind the gentle rolling terrain over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Belfast is a May city marathon with some honest rolling and the chance of damp Irish weather, a lively urban route through the Northern capital. Pace the rises by effort and don't over-run the early miles. Cool, changeable conditions suit racing. The city support is warm. Run the rollers with restraint and the course stays an ally to the finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 190m
- Elevation loss
- 214m
- Highest point
- 62m
- Lowest point
- 4m
- Net elevation
- -24m
- Start
- Starts at Stormont, finishes at Ormeau Park.
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Belfast City Marathon was first held in 1982 as Northern Ireland's flagship road race, touring the capital's neighborhoods and landmarks on gently rolling terrain before a stadium finish. Its accessible course and warm local crowds built its character. From its founding it grew into the region's signature marathon. Held each May, it draws a spirited field to the city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD), Dublin (DUB)
- Best area to stay
- Belfast City Centre for start/finish walking distance and the full range of hotels, the Cathedral Quarter for boutique hotels in a lively area on the course, and Holywood for quieter guesthouses on Belfast Lough a short commute away.
- Getting to the start
- The start is in the city centre; walk from central hotels, and check whether your bib includes free local transit on race morning.