The organisers of one of Ireland’s most atmospheric and scenic race weekends the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon outline that there are only 2 weeks left to secure a place in the 2026 WLR Waterford Viking Marathon, with just a limited number of places left ahead of the June 15th registration deadline.
Returning for its 14th year on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st 2026, the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon has evolved into far more than a sporting event. For one unforgettable weekend every summer, Ireland’s oldest city transforms into a high-energy festival of running, music, colour, celebration and Viking spirit, attracting everyone from elite athletes and first-time runners to walkers, families and charity fundraisers.
This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with demand surging for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Marathon Relay, Ireland’s first and only Disability Friendly Run, the ‘Waterford Viking Run for All’ and the increasingly popular Children’s Fun Run.
Organisers say the combination of spectacular scenery, festival atmosphere and unique route experience is what keeps runners returning year after year and new entrants signing up.
Waterford Viking Marathon event:
Marathon Race Director Joe Cawley says, “Few races anywhere in Ireland can claim a start line framed by centuries of history before leading participants through a route that takes in the River Suir, the Waterford Greenway and the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, all before a dramatic city-centre finish surrounded by cheering crowds, live music and celebration.”
The weekend begins on Saturday, June 20th, with the return of the Children’s Fun Run at the RSC, back bigger and more colourful for its second year. Young runners aged six and over can take part in a series of races, including 200m, 400m and 800m events, while the Family Relay promises one of the most entertaining moments of the weekend as parents and children race together in front of packed crowds and festival entertainment.
Then on Sunday morning, Waterford City comes alive as thousands of runners gather on The Mall beneath the shadows of Waterford’s historic landmarks for the main race events.
At exactly 9 am, participants in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will surge through the city streets before heading towards the Greenway and beyond, passing supporter zones, live performers and some of the most scenic stretches in the country.
The Full Marathon promises a 26.2-mile experience unlike any other in Ireland, combining endurance with breathtaking scenery and an electric atmosphere from start to finish. The Marathon Relay has also become one of the fastest-growing events of the weekend, giving pairs of runners the chance to split the course before reuniting for a shared finish-line moment in the heart of the city.
Meanwhile, the Half Marathon and 10K continue to attract huge interest from runners and walkers looking for a race experience that blends challenge with celebration.
The annual Disability Friendly Run also returns for its second year on Sunday morning at Grattan Quay in the City, once again creating one of the most emotional and uplifting moments of the entire festival weekend as participants of all abilities are cheered on through the city in a powerful celebration of inclusion and community spirit.
Organisers say the event’s popularity means people considering entering should not wait until the final days before registering.
“The atmosphere around the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon weekend is unlike anything else in the Irish running calendar,” said Event Lead Fiona Craughan “People come for the race, but they stay for the experience. It is energetic, welcoming, emotional, entertaining and genuinely fun from beginning to end. We are seeing extremely strong demand across all events this year, and with registration closing on June 15th, we are encouraging people to sign up now before places disappear.”
The WLR Waterford Viking Marathon charity partner is the RNLI, while in addition, many runners will also take the opportunity to support causes close to home and heart.
