Everything you need to know about the Athy Half Marathon 2026
Find answers to the most common questions about race day, whether you're a competitor, spectator, or local resident.
Race Entry
How do I enter Athy Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km & 5km Fun Run?
Entry to Athy Half (21.1km), 10km or 5km Fun Run - click here
When do race entries close?
Entries will close for the event at the earliest of the following:
- The race distance you wish to enter fills to capacity and is sold out.
- At midnight on Wednesday 5th August 2026
Typically each race will sell out before the official closing date, so we would advise you to enter well in advance. Please don't be offended if requests to enter after Wednesday 5th August 2026 cannot be fulfilled by the organising team.
What distances can I enter at the Athy Half Marathon event?
There are 3 distances you can enter:
- Half marathon distance - 21.1km or 13.1 miles on a 2 lap course (over 18s Only)
- The 10km challenge - 10km on a single lap course
- The 5km FUN RUN
Each participant should realistically select the race most suited to their abilities on Raceday.
Can walkers participate in the race?
Yes, but only in the 5km and 10km events. Entries from walkers are more than welcomed. Walkers will commence at the same time and are asked to go to the back of the starting group. Buggys and pets are not permitted.
Walkers are not allowed in the half marathon due to road closure cut off times and roads reopening.
Are there cut off times?
There are no cut off times in the 10km or 5km events. There are cut off times in the Half marathon event.
The finish line is open for 3hrs but you may be asked to move to the pathway for the last 2km. There is also a cut off at the distributor road crossroads at 13.4km before you turn left to go out the Carlow road road on lap 2. This cut off will be 11:40am giving you 1hr 40mins (approx 8mins per km) from the start time. If the start is delayed this time will be adjusted.
My race is SOLD OUT - What can I do?
- Race places are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Last minute places may become available if other entrants decide to cancel their entry and withdraw from the race in question in advance of race day.
- If places become available we will publicise this on our website and social media channels.
- Please note we cannot guarantee that such places will become available.
- The latest possible time to enter is midnight on Wednesday 5th August 2026. If the race is full before this time then we can't offer you a place unfortunately.
I paid but I don't seem to be entered - what should I do?
- If you have been charged the entry fee but have not received any emails from us, please firstly check your spam folder.
- Please double check you entered the correct email address.
- If you are still concerned that you are not entered, please do not leave it until the last minute to query it. Contact us via our online form.
- Please do not use our Facebook or Instagram channels to escalate this query as you may experience a delay in our reply. Email us directly at race@athyhalf.ie.
How do I know I have been accepted into the Race?
You will receive a confirmation email when you have successfully entered the event.
If you have not received any email correspondence, the following may be the case:
- You provided an incorrect or out of date email address.
- The emails are being directed into your junk folder.
- Our emails are being rejected by your email server.
What are the Age Restrictions for taking part at Athy Half Marathon event?
This is an adult only event.
- You must be 18 or over on 9th August 2026.
- There is no upper age restriction.
- NO JUNIORS ARE ALLOW TO ENTER (under 18).
Can I request to be in a particular wave or have my own start time?
- All ATHY RUN FESTIVAL races will follow a 'rolling start' format.
- This means that all athletes will queue up and file over the start timing mat and your time will only start as you cross the timing mat.
- You can position yourself at any point in the start queue and start with friends.
- It usually only takes 3 minutes for everyone to start.
What do I get with my entry?
- Race number with timing chip posted to your address. (You must enter before 19th July for postal option)
- Finishers medal.
- Quality Athlete gift.
- Fully timed event with individual times.
- Closed roads so a very safe event.
- Aid stations on course.
- Course markings.
- Drinks, fruit and ice cream at finish.
- Free parking in the town.
Race Changes
Can I give my entry to someone else?
No. It is not allowed to transfer your entry to someone else. If you do the person will be DQ'd
How do I change to a different distance?
Changing from one distance to another distance is possible, but must be done before 1st August 2026 and is subject to availability.
I am no longer able to race, what are my options?
Under the T&C’s of the event, you can withdraw from the event on or before 1st July 2026. One will be entitled to a refund less an administration fee of €10. To request a refund please email us at race@athyhalf.ie.
After 1st July you still have options to change to a shorter distance. Deferring your entry to the following year is not permitted.
Race Comms
How do I find out about race day?
Our website is the main window into the event and will be the most up to date source for information.
About 7 Days before raceday, we will reach out to you by email to deliver our Athlete Guide - this will be our complete and final guide to steer you through the event. The information in the Athlete Guide will supersede information on this website as it will contain the latest operational details based on up to date local information.
Will anything be posted to me?
If you have entered before 19th July 2026, we will post your race number. If you entered after 19th July 2026, nothing will be posted to you, and you will collect your race number on-site on Race Day.
How do I receive my race time results?
The results will be posted on our website and emailed to all online participants. Results will also be available on www.sportstiming.ie. All results will be provisional until any queries are dealt with. We will also text you your result to the mobile number given on your entry.
Race Course
Where is the race HQ and registration?
Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare. Registration will open at 9am.
Those who have registered online before 1st August 2026 will have had their race number posted to them. Those who registered online after 1st August 2026 will collect their race number on the day, and should go to the registration area on race morning.
Where is the start?
To the side of Emily Square on the Carlow road.
What time is the start?
The scheduled start time is 10:00am for the half marathon, 10:05am for the 10km and 10:10am for the 5km race (start times subject to change).
Where is the finish?
The run route will finish in the same area where the race started.
Is there parking at the race HQ?
There are several car parks around the town of Athy. Nearly all parking on Sunday is free.
Will there be chip timing?
Yes, your timing chip is under the small piece of foam on the back of your race number. Please don’t pull the foam part off as this will damage your chip. Please wear your race number to the front only.
Will the roads be closed?
YES. The roads are closed for the majority of the course with one access lane for residents on a section of the Carlow road of approx. 400m. This part of the course will be coned.
Are there stewards on course to direct us?
Yes, there will be stewards at every tuning point and many more on the course.
Is the course marked?
Yes the 10km course is marked with KMs, and the half marathon course is marked with MILE markers.
Are there changing facilities or showers available?
There are no changing facilities or showers available at the race site.
Is there a baggage area available?
YES but participants are advised not to bring valuables to the race and bags are best left in your car.
NOTE: All items are left at owner’s risk.
Will there be refreshments available at the finish line?
Yes, there will be water, bananas and some treats available at the finish for athletes. There are also a number of café’s and bars serving food, coffee and other refreshments.
Are there aid stations on the course?
Yes, there is one main aid station on the course at the crossroads. You will pass this aid station 3 times on each lap, so for the half marathon you will pass a total of 6 times at 3.2km / 9km / 10.7km/ 13.4km / 19.1km / 20.8km.
What is given out at the aid station?
We will be handing out water only in cups. Please make every effort to place cups in the bins provided. We recommend you bring your own gels.
Are there toilets on the course?
Yes. There will be toilets at the start area, and also a port-a-loo on the course at the crossroads, so it is accessible at 3.2km / 9km / 10.7km/ 13.4km / 19.1km / 20.8km.
What is the course elevation?
The course is generally flat and fast with some gentle elevation but no really hills to climb. Elevation is as follows:
- Half marathon route 99m.
- 10km route 51m.
- 5km route 22m.
Can my friends and family see me at the finish line, or track me on the course?
Yes of course. We welcome all to cheer on their friends and family and loved ones taking part, but we do not have a race tracking app. Athletes could run with their mobile and activate live location on WA’s if a loved one wanted to track them.
Additional Questions
Can I use earphones or headphones?
We recommend that participants refrain from using headphones during the race. The reasons for this are many, but your safety and the safety of other runner’s is at the fore, plus the experience is far greater when you are not zoned out! This is just a recommendation.
Is there a photographer on course?
We usually have 2 photographers on course, and they do their best to get a photo of everyone, but that is sometimes not possible. All photos are posted on our website and Facebook page (usually by Monday night after the event). We do not charge for the photos and they are free to download.
Do you have pacers at the event?
We usually have 2 or 3 pacers for the Athy Half Marathon, and they are usually for 1hr 30, 1hr 45, and 1hr 55m. We will confirm what pacers we will use closer to the event.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch with the Athy Half Marathon team
We're committed to making the Athy Half Marathon 2026 a positive experience for everyone - runners, spectators, and our wonderful local community in Athy.
General Inquiries
Email: race@athyhalf.ie
Social Media
Instagram: @runathyhalf
Facebook: @runathy
The Athy Half Marathon 2026 - Bringing the community together through the spirit of running.
© Copyright 2025 for Athy Half Marathon, All Rights Reserved | Powered by WebHero