FAQ
General Race Queries
Are (bone conducting) headphones allowed?
It is greatly discouraged to use any type of headphones during the race. A runner who uses headphones is less aware of their surroundings. People with headphones can’t hear people behind them passing them out and can’t hear instructions from pacers and stewards such as ‘to watch the kerb on the left’ etc. It takes away from their concentration. Thus, runners who wear headphones are more susceptible to injury. Therefore we ask all runners to not wear any type of headphones during the race to make the event safer for everyone.
Can I participate with a hand bike in the race?
Sorry no, we can’t take Hand Bikes in the race this year as they are too fast for the tunnel closure. However, we are in a position to take wheelchairs in the event.
Will my race bib and chip be posted out to me?
No. you must collect your race pack, including bib and chip, at registration in Cork City Hall on Friday or the day before the race. If you can’t make it to registration yourself, you may give your registration form (with the barcode) to someone else so they can pick it up for you. Please make sure they know your Date of Birth and your mobile number.
Can I get a refund, deferment or change my ticket if I can't run?
All refunds, ticket changes and deferral options are now closed.
Can i wear a hydration backpack for the race?
Yes, you can absolutely wear a hydration pack when running a marathon or any race. Just remember you want to wear it while training as well, so there is nothing new for you on race day.
More and more runners bring their own hydration backpack, bottles or vests to races now to cut down on plastic bottles – a great way to protect the planet.
Can I bring my own bottle for the race?
Yes, absolutely! Either two small handhelds (one in each hand for even weight distribution) or one handheld will do the trick for shorter run. Flasks are great because they’re there when you need them, and you can stash them when you don’t.
If you only want one, pass it back and forth between hands each mile—it’ll prevent you from developing imbalances and give you something to focus on as the miles tick by..
If you prefer to stow your necessities on your waist, a lumbar pack or belt are ideal. Placing the weight of water on the small of your back in the center is the best place to distribute that weight without throwing off your form. Plus, packs have room to stow your fluids and other fuel or gear you may need such as gels, snacks, or sunscreen.
Another option would be running vest, which is popular among trail and ultra runners.
More and more runners bring their own hydration backpack, bottles or vests to races now to cut down on plastic bottles – a great way to protect the planet.
Marathon
Is this an official marathon course?
Yes. The Cork City Marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a full marathon course. The Cork Marathon is also a full member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons).
Can I walk the marathon?
Yes. Walkers are very welcome to participate. Although there isn’t a separate category for walkers, the course time limit of 6 hours should allow most walkers to cross the finish line. However, please note that in order to facilitate critical road reopenings –
You must reach the Jack Lynch Tunnel (mile 7.2) 2hrs after the start.
You must reach the South Link Road (mile 17.6) no later than 4hrs after the start. Both of these cut-off times are achievable at a pace of about 13.5mins/mile.
6 hours after the start, all roads will be re-opened and anyone left on the course may be asked to move onto the pavements and adhere to normal traffic regulations.
How will I get an official time for my race?
Each marathon participant will wear a timing chip in your race number bib. This will automatically log your start and finish time. Your official race time is gun-to-chip but your chip time will also be listed in the results. The race results will be posted on our website shortly after the race finishes.
Will I receive a medal for finishing the marathon?
Yes! Everyone who finishes will receive a Cork City Marathon Medal.
Cork is a hilly city-how steep is the course?
Overall, the Cork City Marathon course is flatter than most marathons in Ireland. We start at 10 metres elevation and the greatest elevation will be around the 30-35km mark with a maximum of 35 metres elevation.
Will the course be marked in miles or kilometres?
The course is officially measured in miles, so the marking on the day will also be in miles. There will, however, be kilometre marks every 5km for the full marathon course.
Half Marathon
Is this an official half-marathon course?
Yes. The Cork City Half Marathon is certified by Athletics Ireland.
Can I walk the half marathon?
Yes. Walkers are very welcome to participate. Although there isn’t a separate category for walkers, the course time limit should allow most walkers to cross the finish line. After 3.5 hours, roads will be re-opened and anyone left on the course may be asked to move onto the pavements and adhere to normal traffic regulations.
How will I get an official time for my race?
Each half-marathon participant will wear a timing chip in your race number bib. This will automatically log your start and finish time. Your official race time is gun-to-chip but your chip time will also be listed in the results. The race results will be posted on our website shortly after the race finishes.
Will I receive a medal for finishing the marathon?
Yes! Everyone who finishes will receive a Cork City Half-Marathon Medal.
Can my race bib and timing chip be posted out to me?
Unfortunately not. You must collect your race pack, including bib and chip, at registration in Cork City Hall the day before the race. If you can’t make it to registration yourself, you may give your registration form (with the barcode) to someone else so they can pick up for you. Please make sure they know your Date of Birth and your mobile number.
Team Relay Event
How many can run in a team?
The marathon course is divided into 5 stages, so up to 5 people can share the course. The format is tailored for teams of 5, but teams of 2, 3 or 4 members can also share the course.
If your team has fewer than 5 members, at least one of you will have to take more than one consecutive stage.
How long are the relay stages?
LEG 1: Start (Patrick’s Street) to near Silversprings Hotel: 4.7 miles (7.6km)
LEG 2: Silversprings to Ringmahon Road: 5.5 miles (8.8km)
LEG 3: Ringmahon to Victoria Road: 5.8 miles (9.3km)
LEG 4: Victoria Road to Model Farm Road: 5.7 miles (9.2km)
LEG 5: Model Farm Road to finishing line (Patrick’s Street): 4.6 miles (7.4km)
Can I run more than 1 stage?
Yes, but they must be consecutive stages. For example, with three in a team the first runner could take stages 1 & 2, while the second takes 3 & 4 and team member no. 3 takes the final stage.
Can two people share the course equally?
No, because of safety issues it hasn’t been possible to locate a changeover point on or near the halfway mark of the marathon course. However, it is still possible to share the marathon course with another runner as part of the relay. You’ll find all your options for sharing the course here.
There are 5 runners in my team. Do we need to fill out 5 forms?
No. You fill out one form per team, regardless of the number of team members. The team captain should fill out the form, giving his or her details and the name, age, gender and t-shirt size of their team mates.
How is the relay event timed?
At registration, your team will get one timing chip. The team member who will cross the finish line must wear the timing chip. The chip will activate when you cross the finish line. As with the marathon, your official time is from the starting gun to the chipped finish time.
How will I get to my relay changeover stage?
Buses to take you to your changeover point will be parked in front of City Hall. These will shuttle from City Hall to the outlying relay points. (We won’t be busing you to Victoria Road, because it’s only a 2-minute walk from City Hall!) Full details will be available at registration.
When do we register?
Registration is online (link to EventMaster.ie opens in new window) and you should register your team as soon as possible. At least one member of each relay team must come to Cork City Hall to pick up your team’s race pack. Here you can find more information about registration on the day.
Will I get a goody bag?
There is one bag per team which you can pick up at registration. Please note the items have to shared between the team members, there is not one each.
You can find full Terms & Conditions here
