Belfast City Marathon Events

Run in Northern Ireland's vibrant historic capital...

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon is one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland and is an AIMS certified race. Not to mention, the first and only marathon in Northern Ireland to join the World Athletics Label Road Race Series. The race starts at Stormont and finishes in Ormeau Park, running through all four areas of the City; North, South, East and West.The Belfast event is renowned for the incredible local support and crowds to cheer your on throughout your 26.2 mile journey. There is an event to suit all levels of fitness on including a Marathon Run, Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk, attracting over 15,000 participants annually. In 2023, the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon joined the prestigious World Athletics Label Road Race Series.

The Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon is Northern Ireland's biggest half marathon event. The popular flat and fast race starts and finishes at Ormeau Park, running through the heart of Belfast and soaking up beautiful greenways and parks.The iconic race typically sells out, so enter early to avoid disappointment. 

Belfast City Marathon also organise the Moy Park Belfast City Women's 10K, hosted in Belfast's stunning Titanic Quarter. For more information visit belfastcity10k.com

2024 will see the arrival of the newest event in Belfast City Marathon's calendar - a festive 5K Fun Run. The Moy Park Belfast City 5K Fun Run will take place on the morning of Sunday 17th November to tie in with the Christmas festivities planned in Belfast City Centre.

 

Photo credit: Ian Finn (1982)

The Belfast City Marathon first launched in 1982 with 3,021 taking part in a marathon only event. The marathon course started at the old Maysfield Leisure Centre and Greg Hannon was the winner in a time of 2:20:25. Sue Boreham was the first woman across the line in a time of 3:11:26. The event would take place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday each year.

1982 - the marathon only event launched

1989 - the Team Relay event is introduced for teams of 2-5 runners, generating over £1.1M annually for local charities

1997 - the 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run events are introduced making the event the largest mass participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland

2013 - the Half Marathon September event is launched 

2019 - the Marathon, Team Relay, Walk and Fun Run events take place on a Sunday for the first time ever

2020 - all events are cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 - the Belfast City Marathon celebrates it's 40th year

2023 - the Belfast City Marathon obtains World Athletics Road Race Label status, the Belfast City Half Marathon celebrates its 10th year, and the Belfast City Women's 10K is launched