The clocks haven’t gone back yet, but you can already feel October creeping in. The mornings are darker, the evenings damper, and the big coats are starting to reappear. For runners, though, autumn isn’t about hiding indoors. It’s about lacing up and putting in the miles, with plenty of races across Ireland to keep the calendar full.
This weekend, the spotlight is firmly on one distance that’s quietly become a cult favourite: the three-quarter marathon. Call it marathon training with benefits, call it a long day out with fewer regrets, but there’s no doubt these 19 mile odd specials are taking over this weekend.
This Weekend: 20 Mile/Three-Quarter Marathon Mania
October has quietly become prime time for the “nearly marathon” races. The 20 miler and the three-quarter marathon have exploded in popularity, thanks to their perfect timing before Dublin. They’re long enough to test the legs and confidence, but short enough that you can still face work on Monday.
A word of warning: these races are hot property. The McKinney Games is already closed, while the Lusk 20 Mile, the Tarmonbarry Three-Quarter Marathon AND the Fastlane 3/4 Marathon hve sold out too. But don’t panic, there are still a few options left if you want one last big outing before Dublin.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Irish Three-Quarter Marathon – Enter Here
Longwood, Meath
Known as one of the most reliable Dublin tune-up races, this course winds through the Meath countryside with excellent organisation and strong club support.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Ó’Dubhda Challenge 20 Mile & 10K – Enter Here
Enniscrone, Sligo
A scenic spin through the Sligo countryside, mixing coastal air with rolling farmland. The Ó’Dubhda Challenge offers a proper stamina test while still keeping things relaxed
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Donegal East Marathon Series – Enter Here
Ballybofey, Donegal
This scenic series offers a three-quarter marathon alongside a half marathon and 13K mini marathon. Quiet roads, plenty of company, and just enough climbing to remind you you’re in Donegal.
Other Races This Weekend
📅 Friday, 3rd October
IMRA Women’s Night Challenge 7K – Event Info
Sugarloaf, Wicklow
A women-only night race with 277m of climbing packed into 7km. Head torch required, lungs optional. A testing mountain route that’s challenging but achievable if you’re up for something different.
📅 Saturday, 4th October
Simon Community 5K – Enter Here
Phoenix Park, Dublin
A relatively flat and friendly 5K supporting the Simon Community, set in the heart of Phoenix Park. Open to all ages and abilities.
📅 Saturday, 4th October
IMRA Glanageenty Marathon – Event Info
Kerry
One for the mountain purists. A full marathon route with a savage 1,300m of climbing. Team format, rugged terrain, and no hiding places. Not for the faint-hearted.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Grange 10K Road Race – Enter Here
Grange, North Sligo
A community-driven 10K near the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect a warm welcome and pleasant community atmosphere.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Elevate Credit Union Charity 5K – Enter Here
Tramore Valley Park, Cork
Family-friendly and flat, this charity 5K is a great chance to put in some miles while supporting a local cause.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
Cook Medical Mini Marathon 10K – Enter Here
University of Limerick, Limerick
A well-organised 10K that starts and finishes at the UL Sports Arena. A good mix of club runners and charity joggers, with the campus setting giving it a unique feel.
The Rest of October
Saturday, 11th October
🏃 Gaelforce Howth 10K – Howth, Co. Dublin – Enter Here
🏃 Solas 10K – Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – Enter Here
Sunday, 12th October
🏃 FASN 5K – Dundalk, Co. Louth – Enter Here
🏃 IMRA Canon Sheehan Loop 16K – Cork – Event Info
🏃 Solas 10K – Waterford City – Enter Here
Friday, 17th October
🏃 Croí Galway Night Run 5K – Galway City – Enter Here
Saturday, 18th October
🏃 Outrun Hunger 5K – Carlow Town – Enter Here
🏃 Bere Island 5 Mile – Co. Cork – Enter Here
🏃 Dromtrasna Challenge 5K & 10K – Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick – Enter Here
Sunday, 19th October
🏃 Aughagower AC 5K & 10K – Aughagower, Co. Mayo – Enter Here
🏃 St Vincent’s Secondary School 5K – Dundalk, Co. Louth – Enter Here
Tuesday, 21st October
🏃 Sandymount Night Run 5K & 10K – Sandymount, Dublin – Enter Here
Saturday, 25th October
🏃 IMRA Halloween Half Marathon – Glensheskin Woods, Co. Cork – Event Info
🏃 Tralee Half Marathon – Tralee, Co. Kerry – Enter Here
Sunday, 26th October
🏃 Ballinskelligs Half Marathon, 5K & 10K – Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry – Enter Here
🏃 Wexford 4 Mile Road Race – Wexford Town – Enter Here
🏃 Halloween Blood Run 5K – Stormont, Co. Down – Enter Here
Of course, a couple of the big ones aren’t even on this list, Dublin and Galway Bay are long since sold out, but with everything else on the calendar, October is already more than busy enough for Ireland’s runners.
Image: Irish 3/4 Marathon/Bear Races