The Course

Dingle half and full marathon takes place around the spectacular Dingle Peninsula (all routes subject to change and final confirmation).

The course consists of a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and a Full Marathon (26.2 miles) which traverse the spectacular Dingle Peninsula.  This is a ‘must do’ event in one of Ireland’s must beautiful locations on Slea Head with the course designed for runners and walkers to enjoy its breath taking scenery and beautiful rugged coastline. This is the only day in the year when vehicular traffic is removed from Slea Head immersing runners in the natural beauty of the Dingle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Dingle town comes alive this weekend with an incredible atmosphere and good times guaranteed all weekend. 

The Dingle Marathon is not just a marathon; it is the experience of a lifetime.  Many seasoned international runners have described the Dingle Marathon as simply the best that they have experienced in the entire world.  The unique “Dingle vibe” is very difficult for us to explain but once you’ve experienced it you’ll never forget it!

Both the half marathon and full marathons start together from the scenic Marina in Dingle Town with all participants heading off together in the direction of Ventry and onto Slea Head.  The scenery is truly breathtaking with magnificent views of the Blasket Islands.

On leaving Dingle, participants pass over Milltown Bridge, past the woodlands at Burnham to the seaside village of Ventry where they get panoramic views of the long, curved strand of the stunning blue flag beach.  On leaving Ventry the course continues westward, past Dunbeg Fort, and continuing with a sheer cliff on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  At Fahan the road crosses a ford where a water stream is magically redirected from the road to avoid runners wetting their feet!  This is the only day in the year that water does not pass over the road ford. 

The course then reaches Slea Head itself, marked by a stone crucifixion scene, with dramatic views to South Kerry and the Blasket Islands.  The course then follows the coast north, past the iconic Coumenoole Strand, where some of the filming of Ryan’s Daughter took place and on to Dunquin village.

Half Marathon

The Half Marathon finishes near the small village of Dunquin outside the door of Kruger’s Pub!  What better place to finish?  Half Marathon finishers take the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved refreshment at Kruger’s Pub before returning by complimentary buses which are laid on to return them to Dingle Town to continue the celebrations and welcome home the Full Marathon participants.

We were the proud winners of the ‘Half Marathon of the Year’ in 2015, 2016, 2017 and again in 2018 in the Running in Ireland Race Awards and Marathon of the Year in 2019.

Full Marathon

The Full Marathon continues north and east from Dunquin through to wild open countryside, moving inland to the village of Ballyferriter. The spectacular scenery continues to keep the spirits alive and once you are through the beautiful village of Ballyferriter, your journey continues on with some very special views of Murreagh. A challenging part of the course lies ahead, with a tough uphill climb around mile 22 so be prepared to keep some fuel in the tank.

Once you have conquered this section, you will be at a point where you can see over the entire landscape, covering a long straight stretch before returning to the finish line in Dingle Town (finish line tbc). The Full Marathon has a number of challenging sections but it is however a hugely rewarding achievement.

Winner of ‘Marathon of the Year’ 2019 in the Running in Ireland Race Awards.