Monkstown Spartans Belfast Zoo 5k
Belfast, Antrim
12 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
Map based on 2025 route
⚠ This map is for indicative purposes only — routes can change, or be reversed, year to year. Check with the race organiser for this year's confirmed map.
Elevation profile
About this race
The Monkstown Spartans Belfast Zoo 5k is a unique two-lap road race set entirely within the grounds of Belfast Zoo on the slopes of Cave Hill. Runners begin a steep meandering ascent through the zoo gates to the top of the zoological gardens, before descending and repeating the lap. The course finishes at the adventure play park near the flamingo lake. Backdropped by panoramic views of Cave Hill and Belfast Lough, the route is notably hilly, with challenging climbs and fast downhill sections on zoo paths. A timed event of 60 minutes, it is as scenic as it is demanding.
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.