Main Marathon: Sunday 3rd May 2026 | Stormont Estate to Ormeau Park | 9:00 AM Start
Although set for Sunday, 3 May 2026, the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon has already sold out and it’s only January. Attracting between 15,000 to 18,000 participants annually, this AIMS-certified race series is a celebration of community, fitness, and charitable giving in Northern Ireland.
If you missed out on a main entry, you’re not alone, there are still plenty of ways you can partake in Belfast’s biggest running weekend.
Quick Facts: Belfast City Marathon 2026
Main Marathon Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Start Location: Stormont Estate (Prince of Wales Avenue)
Finish Location: Ormeau Park
Main Marathon Status: SOLD OUT (charity places still available)
Age Requirement: 18+ years
Time Limit: 6 hours
What's Included: Quarter-zip garment with all entries
What Can You Do Now That the Main Marathon Is Sold Out?
1. Run for charity
Charity places are currently the only way to secure a spot in the full 26.2-mile marathon. Many registered charities hold guaranteed entries, allowing runners to take part while raising funds for causes across Northern Ireland.
How to register: Visit the Belfast City Marathon website and select Register to Run for a Charity.
2. Belfast Marathon Team Relay 2026
Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Start: Stormont Estate (Prince of Wales Avenue)
Split the marathon distance with friends, family, or colleagues. The relay offers all the atmosphere of race day without committing to the full distance solo — ideal for mixed-ability teams.
3. Belfast City Women's 10k
Date: Sunday, 21st June 2026
Start: Titanic Quarter
A hugely popular women-only event through one of the city’s most iconic areas, known for its supportive crowd and empowering atmosphere.
4. Belfast City Half Marathon 2026
Date: Sunday, 20th September 2026
Start: Ormeau Park
Registration for the Belfast Half Marathon 2026 is still open! This 13.1-mile race is a favourite for runners stepping up in distance or chasing a personal best.
5. Belfast City 5k Fun Run
Date: Sunday, 15th November 2026
Start: Belfast City Hall
A family-friendly, accessible event perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone wanting a fun run through the city centre. It's a brilliant introduction to Belfast's running community.
Event | Date | Start Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Belfast City Marathon | 3 May 2026 | Stormont Estate | Sold Out |
Team Relay | 3 May 2026 | Stormont Estate | Open |
Women’s 10K | 21 June 2026 | Titanic Quarter | Open |
Half Marathon | 20 Sept 2026 | Ormeau Park | Open |
5K Fun Run | 15 Nov 2026 | Belfast City Hall | Open |
Why the Belfast City Marathon Stands Out
Belfast City Marathon illustration
The event combines elite international competition with one of the most supportive crowds in the UK and Ireland. Previous winners have come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Scotland, Ireland, and England — while local runners compete in dedicated Northern Ireland categories.
The marathon is:
AIMS Certified
World Athletics Road Race Label accredited
Consistently ranked among the region’s leading road races
The event attracts world-class athletes from across the globe. Previous winners have come from Kenya, Morocco, Ethiopia, Scotland, Ireland, and England, with the 2025 men's champion Tilahun Nigussie from Ethiopia and women's champion Millicent Kibet from Kenya demonstrating the caliber of international competition. Add in a scenic route past Stormont, city neighbourhoods, and a finish in Ormeau Park and it’s easy to see why demand is so high.
Incredible Local Support
Runners consistently rave about the phenomenal crowd support throughout the entire 26.2 miles. Belfast's residents line the streets, creating an electric atmosphere that carries participants through challenging moments and celebrates every achievement. This legendary support is what sets Belfast apart from other UK marathons.
World-Class Credentials
AIMS Certified: Recognized among the world's leading marathon events
World Athletics Road Race Label: Meeting international standards for course accuracy and event management
UK & Ireland Leading Event: Consistently ranked among the region's top marathons
Training & Race Support for Belfast Marathon 2026
Registered runners gain access to:
Runna: Official training partner
Charles Hurst Pacing Team: On race day
Personalized Race Experience: Via the evnt platform
Not Running? How to get involved
Even if you're not running, you can be a vital part of the Belfast City Marathon 2026 experience! Spectators are a huge part of what makes the Belfast City Marathon special. The streets come alive on race day, with locals creating a festival-like atmosphere across the route.
Top Spectator Tips:
Check the route map closer to race day
Arrive early at key spots like Stormont or the city centre
Bring signs, noise-makers, and make it a day out
Visiting Belfast for Marathon Weekend?
Whether you're a runner or supporter traveling to Belfast, here are a list of places to stay in Belfast during the event. Note that accommodation fills quickly durinng large events or festivals in Belfast. Here are several accomodation options according to budget:
Luxury:
The Merchant Hotel: Five-star luxury in the Cathedral Quarter
Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast: Boutique hotel with central location near Great Victoria Street
Mid-Range & Stylish:
Malmaison Belfast: near the Cathedral Quarter with excellent restaurants around
Maldron Hotel Belfast City: Modern comfort with good transport links
Budget-Friendly:
Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Cathedral Quarter):
Ibis Belfast City Centre:
Looking for more accommodation options across Northern Ireland? Check out our guide to the 3 best places to stay in Northern Ireland for additional inspiration.
Booking early is strongly advised, especially near Stormont or Ormeau Park.
Beyond the Race: Things to Do in Belfast
Race weekend provides the perfect opportunity to explore Belfast. Top picks include:
Titanic Belfast: World-class museum at the birthplace of the RMS Titanic
Cathedral Quarter: Belfast's cultural hub with street art, live music, and independent restaurants
St. George's Market: Historic Victorian market perfect for Saturday brunch
Botanic Gardens & Ulster Museum: Beautiful green spaces and free museum entry
Black Taxi Tours: Gain insights into Belfast's complex history and vibrant present
More Than Just a Race
The Belfast City Marathon raises hundreds of thousands of pounds each year for charities across Northern Ireland, supporting health, education, and community initiatives. Whether running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a city-wide effort.
Want to know what’s actually worth doing in Belfast?
Belfast Insider keeps tabs on the best events, what’s on, and things to do around the city; from big weekends like the marathon to small local gems you’d otherwise miss.
Whether you live here, run a local business, or you’re just visiting, we help you:
Discover events before they sell out
Find places people are actually talking about
Keep up with what’s happening in the city — without the noise
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