All you need to know ahead of the Cork City Marathon this weekend 

Final preparations are underway for this year’s much-anticipated edition of the Cork City Marathon, which is due to take place this Sunday.

Whether you are a seasoned marathon finisher, it’s your first time taking part, you’re an onlooker, or trying to pass by during race times, there are a number of things to know ahead of the big day.

Participant information 

The full length marathon will start at 8.15am from Patrick St, followed by 10km Race, which will start at 8.45 am from Patrick St with assembly on Merchant’s Quay at 8.15am.

The Half Marathon will then start at 10.15am from Monahan Rd, with assembly at Kennedy Park.

Race packs, including a bib and chip must be collected during the official registration in Cork City Hall, on Friday between 12pm and 7pm, or Saturday between 11am and 6pm.

If a participant cannot collect their pack, someone else can do it for them with the participant’s corresponding registration form, barcode, date of birth, and mobile number.

There will be 13 water stations across the marathon course, including two for the 10km Race. The water stations’ locations are marked on the course map, which can be accessed via the Cork City Marathon website.

Toilets will also be available at City Hall, near the start and finish lines, as well as portaloos which will be present throughout the course. 

The locations of these are noted on the course map.

Period products will be available at water stations near on-site portaloos.

Bag drop facilities will also be available at the City Hall underground car park on Eglinton St between 7am and 5pm on race day.

Supporter information 

Spectators play a vital role in the success of Cork City Marathon, with race organisers strongly encouraging as many members of the public to come out and be part of the atmosphere.

The best points to view the race from include Patrick St, Grand Parade, and anywhere across the city centre, as well as by the Elysian, Patrick’s Bridge, Turner's Cross, The Lough and along Model Farm Rd near MTU.

Participants and supporters are also invited to share their favourite posters and messages on social media using the hashtags #CorkCityMarathon24 and #EveryMileisaMemory.

Navigating the city

Detailed information on road closures and traffic restrictions will be available on the Cork City Marathon website, with motorists advised to plan their route in advance to avoid delays.

The Park and Ride from the Black Ash Centre on the South City Link (N27) will run every 8-12 minutes from 6.15 am, at a cost of €5 for the day.

Additional early train services from Cobh and Mallow will run from 7 am and Midleton from 7.15am. 

City centre and suburban bus services will be restricted, with updates available on the day on the Cork City Marathon website and Bus Éireann website.

For more information on this year’s event, please visit www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-city-marathon-2024/ and follow @corkcitymarathon on social media.