Course Map
About this Race
The Galway Bay Marathon is a scenic course on Ireland's west coast, tracing the shoreline of beautiful Galway Bay with sweeping Atlantic views across the rolling coastal terrain. The exposed seaside stretches mean wind can be a real factor in this wild western setting. Held in a favorable window, it offers cool, fresh Atlantic conditions and stunning coastal scenery. The bay views define the day rather than dense crowds. It suits runners who want a beautiful, characterful west-of-Ireland race and don't mind the rolling terrain and potential wind over a fast time.
Course Insight
Galway Bay is a scenic marathon along the wild Atlantic coast of western Ireland, rolling terrain exposed to wind and changeable weather. Pace for the gusts and the rises rather than a still-air split. The bay and coastal scenery are a spectacular constant. Cool, damp conditions suit racing. Run within yourself and shelter from the wind, and the course stays an ally.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 34m
- Elevation loss
- 37m
- Highest point
- 12m
- Lowest point
- 4m
- Net elevation
- -3m
- Start
- Starts and finishes at Nimmo's Pier in The Claddagh, on the edge of Galway City toward Salthill.
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Race History
The Galway Bay Marathon is a scenic course on Ireland's west coast, tracing the shoreline of beautiful Galway Bay with sweeping Atlantic views over rolling coastal terrain. Its exposed seaside stretches, where wind is a real factor, gave it a wild western character. Over the years it drew a field to the bay-side route. It remains a beautiful, characterful west-of-Ireland race.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Shannon (SNN), Ireland West Knock (NOC) & Dublin (DUB)
- Best area to stay
- Galway city centre for proximity to the route and lively stays, Salthill for seaside hotels along the prom, and the quieter Oranmore area for value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near Galway city/Salthill; walk from central hotels or take a short ride to the start.