Belfast City Marathon and ICC Belfast announce partnership extension until 2031

05 November 2026

belfast city marathon and icc belfast announce partnership extension until 2031
Long-term agreement reinforces commitment to delivering a first-class experience for runners and visitors to Belfast.

Belfast City Marathon has announced the extension of its partnership with ICC Belfast until 2031, strengthening the relationship between two of the city's leading event organisations.

The agreement will see ICC Belfast continue as the home of the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon Expos and Race Pack Collections, providing a central location for thousands of participants ahead of two of Northern Ireland's biggest running events.

The Expos have become an important part of the overall event experience, bringing together runners, supporters, sporting brands, charities and event partners in the lead-up to race day.

With both events continuing to attract participants from across Northern Ireland and beyond, the long-term partnership provides an opportunity for both organisations to further develop the Expo experience, introducing new activities, engaging exhibitors and creating an exciting atmosphere ahead of each event.

Dominic Walsh, Belfast City Marathon Chair, said:

"We are delighted to extend our partnership with ICC Belfast until 2031.

"The Expos and Race Pack Collections are such an important part of the overall event experience, giving participants the opportunity to come together, soak up the atmosphere and get ready for race day.

"ICC Belfast has been a fantastic partner, and this long-term agreement gives us a real opportunity to build on what we've achieved together. We're particularly excited about developing the Expos further, creating more engaging experiences for runners, supporters and our commercial partners.

"As we continue to grow our events and welcome more people to Belfast, partnerships like this are incredibly important to our future."

Rob McConnell, CEO, ICC Belfast, said:

“Whether you’re running a leg of a marathon for charity, you’re taking on your first half marathon or tackling the epic endeavour of a full marathon, the expo is really where the full race experience begins.  There is nothing like the buzz of collecting your race number and being among the community of people who will be sharing the challenge with you.  Your race experience begins at the expo so we are really excited to be creating events that set all runners and supporters for the unique experience of running the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon.  Belfast is the European City of Sport and these events provide another fantastic opportunity to profile our great city.”

The partnership also highlights the wider importance of major sporting events to Belfast, bringing visitors into the city and supporting its profile as a destination for sport, tourism and events.

With plans already underway for the 2027 Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, both organisations are looking forward to building on their successful relationship and continuing to enhance the experience for participants and visitors.

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