Lap of the Gap Marathon
Wicklow Mountains National Park, Wicklow
23 May 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 Lap of the Gap Marathon begins in the monastic valley of Glendalough and takes runners on an epic clockwise loop through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The route follows the historic Military Road past the majestic Glenmacnass Waterfall to the windswept heights of Sally Gap, before descending past the iconic Lough Tay. The terrain is famously challenging, featuring a relentless 20km steady climb followed by a mix of rolling and descending backroads that reward grit over speed. This legendary circuit is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and is widely considered one of Ireland’s toughest road marathons.
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.