Course Map
About this Race
The Connemarathon is one of Ireland's most beautiful and challenging races, run through the wild, rugged landscape of Connemara in the west amid mountains, loughs, and open bog land. The course saves its sting for the notorious late climb known as the Hell of the West, which punishes tired legs before the finish. Held in April, it contends with changeable Atlantic weather and offers breathtaking, untamed scenery. The dramatic landscape and the hill define the day. It suits runners who want a stunning, demanding west-of-Ireland course and respect the late climb over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Connemara is the Hell of the West, a wild April marathon through remote bog and mountain country with a savage late climb that defines the day. Pace the rollers by effort and save everything for that brutal hill near the end. The desolate Connemara scenery is hauntingly beautiful. Wind and rain are frequent companions. Respect the late climb and run within yourself, and the difficulty becomes the story.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (368m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 368m
- Elevation loss
- 351m
- Highest point
- 98m
- Lowest point
- 5m
- Net elevation
- +17m
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Connemarathon was first held in 2002, one of Ireland's most beautiful and challenging races, run through the wild landscape of Connemara amid mountains, loughs, and open bog. Its notorious late climb, the Hell of the West, and changeable Atlantic weather defined its character. From its founding it became a beloved scenic challenge. Held each April, it draws runners to the untamed west.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Shannon (SNN) and Ireland West Knock (NOC), Dublin (DUB)
- Best area to stay
- Clifden for proximity to the course and characterful inns, Galway city for fuller lodging a drive away, and the Maam Cross area for scenic immersion near the route.
- Getting to the start
- It's point-to-point through remote Connemara; take the official buses from the Clifden/finish area to the start, as there's no public transport on the route.