Waterford

Viking Marathon 2026

Waterford Viking Marathon 2026

Get ready to run through history! The Waterford Viking Marathon Running Festival returns on June 20th & 21st, 2026, and it’s set to be our biggest and boldest event yet.

Whether you’re taking on the Full Marathon, Full Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, our Children’s Run, or the Disability Friendly Run, there’s something for everyone at Ireland’s most inclusive and scenic running festival.

Important Participant Information

National Postage of Race Bibs/Number

National postage is available till the 24th of May, after this time if you enter our event you must collect your race bib from Waterford Viking Marathon Race HQ in Garter Lane, 22A O’ Connell Street, Waterford City, on Friday the 19th or Saturday the 20th of June. If you have already registered and have now decided you would like to get you bib posted you can do this by logging into your Eventmaster account and going to additional purchases.

Race HQ Opening Hours

Friday from 3pm to 7pm

Saturday 11am to 5pm

International Participants

You will be contacted directly about collection of your bib. Your bib will be available to you Friday, Saturday and morning of the race, as no postage available.

Collection of T-shirts

T-shirts are available for collection in Race HQ during opening hours on Friday, Saturday and on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

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 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!

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.

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…

The Waterford Viking Marathon is an exceptional event that blends top-tier organization with a fantastic atmosphere and a scenic course that showcases the best of Ireland’s oldest city. From registration to the finish line, everything runs with seamless efficiency. Support throughout the race is great, water stations are well-placed, and the event staff/volunteers create a supportive and welcoming environment for runners of all levels. Overall, the Waterford Viking Marathon is a must-run for anyone seeking a well-organized, energizing race experience in a stunning setting steeped in history and pride.

Alex Marathon Winner 2024

Children’s Run

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

Get ready for big smiles and little runners! After the fantastic success of our very first Children’s Run in 2025, we’re delighted to bring it back for Waterford Viking Marathon 2026 – and it’s set to be even better!

Taking place on Saturday, June 20th, this fun, non-competitive event is designed especially for kids to enjoy the excitement of race day in a safe, supportive, and high-energy environment. It’s all about fun, participation, and making memories.

Each child will receive a finisher’s medal, and for just an extra €10 at registration, they can also get their very own Waterford Viking Marathon t-shirt to wear with pride.

It’s the perfect way to get young legs moving and introduce the next generation to the joy of running. Let’s make it a morning to remember!

Distances

200m

400m

800m

4x100m Family Relay

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.