Connemarathon 2027

Overview

The Connemara International Marathon, better known as the Connemarathon, is often described as one of the most scenic road races in the world. Run every April in the west of Ireland, in County Galway, it crosses the wild landscapes of Connemara: bogland, lakes and mountains, with the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains as a backdrop.

What started in the early 2000s as a small race with around 70 runners has grown to roughly 3,200 participants. The event is a point-to-point race offered over three distances, a half marathon, a full marathon and an ultra, which all finish in the same place, the crossroads village of Maam Cross. Founder Ray O'Connor returned as race director for 2026.

Courses and formats

Half marathon (21.1 km)

The half marathon starts in Leenane, at the head of Killary Harbour, and runs 13.1 miles to Maam Cross. It is far from a flat road race: the course includes two tough hills, and the open landscape leaves runners exposed to the Atlantic weather.

Marathon (42.195 km)

The full marathon starts beside Lough Inagh, in the valley between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks, then joins and completes the half marathon course from Leenane to the finish in Maam Cross, including its two big climbs in the second half of the race.

Ultra (about 63 km)

The ultra covers roughly 39.3 miles (about 63 km). Its start is on the N59 near Recess, and it loops around the Maumturk Mountains before joining the marathon route and finishing in Maam Cross. The current ultra course was introduced in 2023.

Getting to the start

Because the courses are point to point, the organisers run bus transfers to the different start lines. Buses leave from the Cathedral car park in Galway City as well as from Oughterard, Clifden and Delphi Resort, with the ultra buses departing first, early in the morning. Transfers are included in the entry fee for participants who selected a pick-up point when registering, and runners need to be at the bus at least 15 minutes before departure.

Return buses run throughout the afternoon from Maam Cross back to Leenane, Delphi Resort, Oughterard, Clifden and Galway City, and dedicated spectator buses take supporters out to the course.

Practical information

• All three distances finish in Maam Cross, so plan your transport to the start rather than to the finish.
• Connemara weather in April can change quickly: wind and rain are common on the exposed sections, so race kit should allow for cold and wet conditions.