The Village Run ¾ Marathon

The Village Run ¾ Marathon is a flat, fast road race based in the village of Ballylinan, County Laois, with registration and bib collection at Ballylinan GFC. Covering three-quarters of the full marathon distance, it is one of four distances offered at the event and is especially popular as a build-up race for runners preparing for the Dublin Marathon. The chip-timed course runs on quiet country roads through the gentle, low-lying countryside surrounding the village, and its flat profile makes it a genuine target for a personal best or a confidence-building long run. Open to runners and walkers of all abilities and ages, the event has a friendly, community feel, with cash prizes for the leading finishers and a sought-after bobble hat for the first runners to register. The rural Laois setting and well-organised support add to its growing appeal each autumn.