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.

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

About The Marathon

Experience the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Europe’s most iconic running event. Take part in our full, half, 10km or disability friendly run 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.

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

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 €6 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.

2024

Winners

Full Marathon

Male

Alexander Wallace

Half Marathon

Male

Pat Fitzgerald

10k

Male

Andrew Connick

Full Marathon

Female

Beth O’Connor

Half Marathon

Female

Linda Grogan

10k

Female

Kealey Tideswell

Disability Friendly Run

-

Paul Lee

View all Results

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.