Autumn is peak racing season in Ireland. Months of summer training come together over the next eight weeks, with marathons, mountain races, night runs and HYROX all on the calendar. Here's what's coming up and how to get ready for it.
Opening Weekend: 3–4 October
The first weekend of October is one of the busiest of the year:
- Run Galway Bay Marathon (3 Oct, Galway) – a scenic coastal marathon along the bay.
- Mourne Mountain Marathon (3 Oct, Down) – a tough mountain ultra for experienced hill runners.
- Fastlane Autumn Edition (3 Oct, Dublin) – a fast, flat half marathon for anyone chasing a PB.
- Home Run 2026 (3 Oct, Dublin) – a friendly 5K.
- Limerick Mini Marathon (4 Oct, Limerick) – a Munster favourite.
- Monaghan Half Marathon, Donegal East Marathons and Newcastle Way Marathon & Half (4 Oct) – three great choices in the north.
- Irish 3/4 Marathon (4 Oct, Meath) – an unusual distance and a good final long run before a marathon.
Mountains & Trails: 9–11 October
- Dublin Mountain Trail Running Festival (9 Oct) – trail distances right on the edge of the city.
- SkyRun The Mournes (10 Oct, Down) – big climbs and huge views.
- Galtee Challenge Duo Race (10 Oct, Tipperary) – bring a partner.
- Gaelforce 10K Howth (10 Oct) – cliff paths above Dublin Bay.
- Tipperary Half Marathon (11 Oct) – a solid road option.
Races After Dark
The evenings are getting shorter, so night running season is here:
- Croí Galway Night Run (9 Oct)
- Montalto Night Endurance Challenge (10 Oct, Down)
- Limerick City Night Run (30 Oct)
Wear a head torch and bright clothing, and stay safe.
Mid-October
- Coleraine Half Marathon (18 Oct, Derry)
- Rebel Run 10K Cork (18 Oct)
- SETU Arena HYROX Simulation – Waterford (17 Oct) – a good test before HYROX Dublin.
Dublin Marathon Weekend: 25 October
The biggest day of the Irish running year. The Irish Life Dublin Marathon takes over the capital, and there's plenty happening across the rest of the country too:
- Tralee Half Marathon (Kerry)
- Shane's Castle Marathon & Half (Antrim)
- Run Ballinskelligs (Kerry) – a wild Atlantic coastline
- Wexford 4 Mile Race
November Highlights
- Westport Sea2Summit (7 Nov, Mayo) – an adventure race up to the Reek.
- Glendalough Trail Run and Gaelforce 10K Wicklow (7 Nov)
- HYROX Dublin 2026 (11 Nov) – Ireland's biggest fitness racing event.
- Churchtown 10 Mile Cork and Clontarf Half Marathon Autumn (14 Nov)
Training Tips: Tapering for an Autumn Marathon
- Cut your volume, not your intensity. Reduce weekly mileage by about 20–30% each week over the last three weeks, but keep some short efforts at race pace.
- Don't try anything new. Race-day shoes, gels and breakfast should all be things you've used in training.
- Practise your fuelling. Aim for 30–60g of carbohydrate per hour on your final long runs.
- Sleep is training. The two nights before the race matter more than the night before.
Running Into Winter
- Wear layers you can take off, and bring a light rain shell. Irish weather changes fast.
- Be seen: reflective kit and a light for early mornings and evenings.
- Warm up for longer when it's cold, and change out of wet clothes quickly after you finish.
Find your next race on the Enduro Eire calendar. Good luck this autumn!