Connamara International Marathon
Connamara, Galway
19 Apr 2026
⚠ Start times change frequently. Always check with race organiser or their website for this year's confirmed start time before travelling.
Course map
Adapted from the official site’s map
Elevation profile
About this race
The Connemara International Marathon offers a breathtaking single-loop paved course that begins in Connemara National Park (specifically near the village of Recess) and finishes at the event hub in Maam Cross. The route travels through some of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes, navigating the shores of Lough Inagh and the vibrant village of Leenane, which sits at the head of Killary Fjord. The terrain is defined by its relentless rolling hills, featuring long, steady climbs that culminate in the challenging "Hell of the West" during the final two miles. Runners are treated to 26.2 miles of traffic-free roads surrounded by the Twelve Pins mountains and vast boglands, making it one of the most scenic road races in the world.
Course profile & record eligibility
World Athletics record-eligibility rules cap net elevation loss at 1m per km of race distance, and require the start and finish to be no more than 50% of the race distance apart — both meant to stop a course gaining an unfair edge from downhill grade or a point-to-point tailwind. This is based on this course's recorded elevation and GPS data, not an official measurement or certification.