The Dingle Marathon & Half Marathon takes place around the spectacular Dingle Peninsula this September. The course consists of a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and a Full Marathon (26.2 miles) which traverse the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. This is a ‘must do’ event in one of Ireland’s must beautiful locations on Slea Head with the course designed for runners and walkers to enjoy its breath taking scenery and beautiful rugged coastline. This is the only day in the year when vehicular traffic is removed from Slea Head immersing runners in the natural beauty of the Dingle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Dingle town comes alive this weekend with an incredible atmosphere and good times guaranteed all weekend. The Dingle Marathon is not just a marathon; it is the experience of a lifetime. Many seasoned international runners have described the Dingle Marathon as simply the best that they have experienced in the entire world. The unique “Dingle vibe” is very difficult for us to explain but once you’ve experienced it you’ll never forget it!
Both the half marathon and full marathons start together from the scenic Marina in Dingle Town with all participants heading off together in the direction of Ventry and onto Slea Head. The scenery is truly breathtaking with magnificent views of the Blasket Islands.
On leaving Dingle, participants pass over Milltown Bridge, past the woodlands at Burnham to the seaside village of Ventry where they get panoramic views of the long, curved strand of the stunning blue flag beach. On leaving Ventry the course continues westward, past Dunbeg Fort, and continuing with a sheer cliff on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. At Fahan the road crosses a ford where a water stream is magically redirected from the road to avoid runners wetting their feet! This is the only day in the year that water does not pass over the road ford. The course then reaches Slea Head itself, marked by a stone crucifixion scene, with dramatic views to South Kerry and the Blasket Islands. The course then follows the coast north, past the iconic Coumenoole Strand, where some of the filming of Ryan’s Daughter took place and on to Dunquin village.
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