As we recently reported, the Cork City Marathon has officially sold out for 2026, leaving many runners who may have put it on the long finger without a place. For anyone who had begun building mileage through the start of winter and were shaping their plans around Cork, it is a frustrating setback. Now the question is simple. What next.
Fortunately there are a good range of alternatives within a similar timeframe. A number of events on both sides of the Irish Sea sit neatly the week before and after Cork and offer a realistic replacement goal. Below is a selection of upcoming marathons that will keep your training on track and deliver a finish line worthy of the effort.
Sunday 24th May 2026
Lough Cutra Castle Marathon Co Galway
The Lough Cutra Castle Marathon takes place within the private estate of Lough Cutra Castle in Gort as part of the wider Lough Cutra Multisport Festival. The event sits within the Castle Run Series, a travelling series of races that operates across Ireland and Europe, with sister events in France. The course uses a scenic 7 km loop through woodland paths, lakeside stretches and estate roads, giving competitors a peaceful off road environment with regular spectator support around each lap. The marathon and half marathon both follow the same loop structure, while the 10K offers a single circuit for those seeking a shorter challenge. Ideal for runners who prefer natural surroundings and a festival weekend atmosphere.
💷 Entry Fee: €44
🔗 Race Website: castleraceseries.com
Sunday 24th May 2026
Newry City Marathon
The Newry City Marathon offers a fast road course beginning close to the city centre and stretching toward the scenic Carlingford Lough shoreline. The route is known for long flat sections and supportive crowds along the way, with views across the water and the surrounding hills providing natural lift during the quiet miles. Situated close to the border between the North and South, it is an accessible option for runners travelling from either direction and has earned a reputation for strong organisation and a friendly community feel. A smart choice if you are looking for a straightforward route suited to confident pacing.
💷 Entry Fee: Registration Not Open Yet
🔗 Race Website: newrycityrunners.com
Saturday 6th June 2026
Portumna Forest Marathon
Set within the beautiful Portumna Forest Park in Galway, this course trades city streets for tree lines and quiet loops around the lake. Surfaces are a mix of road and hard trail, and the flat nature of the route makes it suitable for both first timers and experienced runners. The setting is peaceful, the support is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. If Cork was meant to be your chance to settle into a long rhythm without the noise of a big city, Portumna fits the brief.
💷 Entry Fee: from €52.50
🔗 Race Website: forestmarathon.com
Marathons Across the Irish Sea
Sunday 24th May 2026
Edinburgh Marathon
Regarded as one of the fastest courses in Britain, the Edinburgh Marathon starts near the city centre before heading east toward Musselburgh along the coastline. Long flat sections and consistent sea breezes make this a popular choice for runners chasing a strong performance. Crowd support is steady throughout and the finish area is well organised with easy access to transport. Ideal for anyone wanting a PB attempt or a straightforward route layout.
💷 Entry Fee: from £82
🔗 Race Website: edinburghmarathon.com
Sunday 31st May 2026
Lake District Running Festival Trail Marathon
Another trail alternative for anyone who prefers mud to tarmac. The Lake District Running Festival in Grasmere stages its trail marathon on Sunday, set among the lakes and hills of a World Heritage landscape with views that could soften even the worst quad cramps. Fully way marked and supported by experienced marshals, it is a demanding but rewarding route that swaps city crowds for open space and dramatic scenery. There are shorter races on the Saturday including 5.7K, 10K and 17K options for those who fancy a warm up or are simply gluttons for punishment.
💷 Entry Fee: Entries Opening Soon
🔗 Race Website: grasmeregallop.co.uk
There You Have it!
Losing out on a Cork entry is undoubtedly frustrating, but the good news is that the weeks surrounding Cork offer a strong spread of alternatives that can keep your season moving forward without missing a beat. From quiet forest loops to coastal straights built for pacing and the open climbs of the Lake District, there is still plenty of opportunity to line up this May and June.