Waterford

Viking Marathon 2026

Waterford Viking Marathon 2026

Further 50 Places Released in 10k

VIKINGS CURRENTLY OUT DELIVERING RACE NUMBERS. EXPECT DELIVERY FROM TUESDAY 16th to the 18th of JUNE.

RACE NUMBER COLLECTION AT RACE HQ, FRIDAY 19th JUNE or SATURDAY 20th JUNE.

Important Participant Information for Sunday 21st June on The Mall

Race HQ, Garter Lane Theatre, O’Connell Street

Collection of Race Numbers and t-shirts

Friday 19th 3-7pm

Saturday 20th 11-5pm

Race Day Collection of t-shirts

Sunday 21st 9am to 3.30pm

Race Day Information – Sunday 21st June

Welcome to the 14th WLR Waterford Viking Marathon! We can’t wait to welcome thousands of Vikings to Ireland’s oldest city for what promises to be an unforgettable day of running, entertainment and festival atmosphere.

📍 Event Location

The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and 10K all start from The Mall, Waterford City.

⏰ What Time Should I Arrive?

Participants are advised to arrive and be parked by 8am and be at the starting line by 8.30am.

🅿️ Parking

There is ample parking available around Waterford City Centre, including:

Bolton Street Car Park
Newtown Road Car Park
Waterside Car Park
Numerous car parks along the Quays

🎒 Bag Drop

Bag drop facilities are located beside the start line on The Mall and will remain open until 8.45am.

🚻 Start Line Toilets

Toilet facilities are located on Parnell Street, outside Deevy’s, just a two-minute walk from the starting line.

🏃 Race Start Time

The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and 10K all start at 9am sharp.

⚔️ Marathon Relay Bus

Runner B participants in the Marathon Relay should make their way to the relay bus located outside St John’s Church on Parnell Street.

🚌 Departure Time: 9am

💧 Water Stations and Toilets

Water stations and toilet facilities are available throughout all routes.

Route maps and course information can be viewed here:

Routes

🎶 Fan Zones

Several fan zones featuring DJs, music and entertainment will be positioned around the course to keep you motivated and create an incredible atmosphere from start to finish.

Make sure you supporters check out Mount Congreve Gardens, live Jazz band, Cafe and breath taking setting. It will be the place to be from 9.15am to 11.30

🏅 Finish Line

All roads lead to the spectacular festival finish on O’Connell Street, where Vikings, music, family entertainment and thousands of cheering supporters will be waiting to welcome you home.

Prize giving times

10k 10.30am

Half Marathon 11.30am

Full Marathon 12.30am

Good luck Vikings, and enjoy every step of your journey!

The clock is ticking!

Sunday 21st June 2026 @ 9am

Waterford Viking Marathon purple solid jigsaw

Waterford Viking Marathon pink dotted jigsaw

About The Waterford Viking Marathon, Full, Full Relay, Half and 10k

Experience the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Europe’s most iconic running event. Take part in our full, half or 10k and enjoy the best of what Waterford City and county has to offer.

As you race, you’ll pass stunning landmarks, including the majestic River Suir, and enjoy views of the lush Waterford countryside. And if you’re running the half or full marathon you’ll also be treated to the vibrant colours and world-renowned beauty of Mount Congreve Gardens, known for their stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections.

Whether you’re running the full marathon, full marathon relay, half marathon, or 10km, you’ll be immersed in some of the most scenic and historic landscapes Ireland has to offer.

Marathon Relay

Get ready to experience race day like never before with the Waterford Viking Marathon Relay, a thrilling team challenge set in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.

This unique relay sees two runners each take on a half marathon distance, combining strength, strategy, and Viking spirit. Runner A (covers 12 miles) kicks things off from the iconic start line on The Mall, powering through the opening miles of the course. Meanwhile, Runner B (covers 14 miles) before 9am hops aboard the specially designated Viking Bus outside the church on Parnell Street, heading straight to the takeover point at the Ballyduff underpass.

Once your race number is exchanged, Runner B takes on the second half of the journey, racing toward the city finish. And the adventure doesn’t stop there, we aim to bring Runner A back on the Viking Bus to meet their teammate at the entrance to the Glen on Bridge Street and run with them across the finishing line, creating a true team finish atmosphere.

Every participant earns a unique Waterford Viking Marathon Relay medal and a full marathon t-shirt, a badge of honour for taking on this unforgettable challenge.

Grab your running partner, embrace the Viking energy, and be part of something truly special in Waterford!

About The Marathon

Experience the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Europe’s most iconic running event. Take part in our full, full relay, half, 10km or Waterford Viking Run for All (disability friendly event) and enjoy the best of what Waterford City and county has to offer. As you race, you’ll pass stunning landmarks, including the majestic River Suir, and enjoy views of the lush Waterford countryside. And if you’re running the half or full marathon you’ll also be treated to the vibrant colours and world-renowned beauty of Mount Congreve Gardens, known for their stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections. Whether you’re running the full marathon, half marathon, or 10km, you’ll be immersed in some of the most scenic and historic landscapes Ireland has to offer.

Marathon Relay

Get ready to experience race day like never before with the Waterford Viking Marathon Relay, a thrilling team challenge set in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.

This unique relay sees two runners each take on a half marathon distance, combining strength, strategy, and Viking spirit. Runner A kicks things off from the iconic start line on The Mall, powering through the opening miles of the course. Meanwhile, Runner B hops aboard the specially designated Viking Bus outside the church on Parnell Street, heading straight to the takeover point at the Ballyduff underpass.

Once the high five is exchanged, Runner B takes on the second half of the journey, racing toward the city finish. And the adventure doesn’t stop there, we aim to bring Runner A back on the Viking Bus to meet their teammate at the entrance to the Glen on Bridge Street and run with them across the finishing line, creating a true team finish atmosphere.

Every participant earns a unique Waterford Viking Marathon Relay medal and a full marathon t-shirt, a badge of honour for taking on this unforgettable challenge.

Grab your running partner, embrace the Viking energy, and be part of something truly special in Waterford!

What the runners say…

I have participated in the Waterford Viking Marathon and Half Marathon in the previous 2 years. Both occasions were excellent experiences. The setting in the heart of Waterford city for the start and finish is amazing. The varied route for the course of the route keeps runners interested and motivated. It is a very successfully run event. The volunteers on course were superb especially those on bikes to keep the top runners going. I have marked this event in my calendar again this year and look forward to toeing the line with like minded running enthusiasts. What makes this event great is the variety of abilities the race caters for, all get a heroes welcome when crossing the finish line.

Linda Grogan

Children’s Run

Children’s Run – Saturday, June 20th 2026 at RSC

🎉⚔️ CHILDREN’S RUN DAY IS ALMOST HERE! ⚔️🎉

We’re so excited to welcome over 400 young Vikings to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Saturday 20th June!

⏰ Please be there for 9am for registration.

✅ No race numbers are required.
👕 Purchased T-shirts can be collected when registering on the morning, and if you didn’t purchase one when entering, you’ll have the opportunity to do so on the day.

Get ready for a morning packed with fun, excitement and plenty of Viking spirit. We can’t wait to welcome all our young runners and their families for a fantastic start to the Waterford Viking Marathon Running Festival! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

Disability Friendly Run

Disability Friendly Run – Sunday, June 21st 2026 at 9:30am

We’re thrilled to welcome back our Disability Friendly Run for its second year, following an incredible debut in 2025 that brought smiles, celebration, and unforgettable moments for participants and supporters alike.

Taking place on Sunday, June 21st at 9:30am on Grattan Quay, this 8.5k inclusive event is designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy and energy of race day. With a supportive atmosphere, accessible route, and plenty of cheer, it’s all about participation, fun, and community.

Whether you’re walking, wheeling, or running — join us to celebrate ability, determination, and the growing spirit of inclusion in the Waterford Viking Marathon. Every participant will receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt and a warm Waterford welcome!

Let’s make 2026 even more special — together.

RLNI Charity Partners

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. All money raised for the charity will be going towards three stations located in Waterford, Dunmore East, Tramore and Helvick Station. In 2023, volunteers at the RNLI’s three Waterford lifeboat stations at Dunmore East, Helvick Head and Tramore, launched 36 times and brought 31 people to safety, one of whom was a life saved. Dunmore East RNLI operates an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat while Helvick Head RNLI is home to an inshore Atlantic 85 class lifeboat and Tramore has an inshore D class lifeboat. The RNLI marked its 200th anniversary in 2024 and its story is one of courage and dedication. Two centuries have seen vast developments in the lifeboats and kit used by the charity’s lifesavers – from the early oar-powered vessels to today’s technology-packed lifeboats, and from the rudimentary cork lifejackets of the 1850s to the full protective kit each crew member is now issued with. While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s dependence on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public which have funded the service for the past two centuries. Find out more at rnli.org

Media Partners

Broadcasting twenty four hours a day, from Waterford and Dungarvan, WLR is the dominant media force in Waterford and is Irelands IMRO Local Radio Station of the Year in five of the last six years. WLRs strong focus on all things local, it’s authoritative news and current affair’s service, and it’s winning music mix attracts almost 65% of all adults living in the city and county each week. WLR is deeply entrenched in the area it serves and plays an active role in organising and supporting sporting, cultural, community, business and charitable events in Waterford. WLR has been the principal organiser and media partner of the Waterford Viking Marathon since 2012 and is delighted to once again be part of the 2025 event.