The Bobble is Back: The 2025 Waterford Half Marathon is Open for Entries

Well boi, ready for a winter challenge? The Déise will be buzzing again as the Waterford AC Half Marathon returns on Saturdayy the 29 of November. Entries are now live, and this is one race you don’t want to leave on the long finger. It sells out every year and nothing stings like watching the bobble-hat brigade disappear down the Greenway without you.

Autumn can knock the motivation out of even the keenest runner. Dark evenings, damp mornings, and that general feeling of meh. A late-November half marathon is the perfect antidote. With Waterford on your calendar you’ll keep training through October and most of November, clocking those miles when most people are clinging to the sofa. 

The gun goes at 9:30 a.m. from SETU Arena, Carriganore, the western campus of South East Technological University. The measured and certified course stays west of the city and spends long stretches on the Waterford Greenway, giving you plenty of traffic-free running and scenic views. Last year’s roadworks are history, so expect a smooth, fast route with only minor tweaks from previous editions.

Forget about views or any of that nonsense, the real hook is the mystery Waterford AC bobble hat. Every year the design is top secret until race day, and runners treat it like gold dust. This author still wears his from 2015 and it’s survived more winters than most of my trainers. Collectors know the thrill, finish the race, grab your medal, and claim a hat that’ll keep you warm and start more conversations than a new pair of carbon plated shoes.

Because it’s a Saturday race, you’re free to make a proper trip of it. Finish your 13.1 miles, grab a well-earned pint down in Tully's (or wherever really, Waterford has no shortage of pubs, but sadly T&H Doolans is still closed), and dive into Winterval, the city’s famous Christmas festival of lights, markets, and music. Bring the family or a few running pals and turn it into a winter break instead of a one-day dash.

This is Waterford AC’s flagship fundraiser, drawing about 2,500 runners and joggers each year. Every entry supports over 300 training sessions annually for everyone from five-year-olds to masters athletes, while also backing local groups who help the event come to life.

• Date & Time: Saturday, 29 November 2025 – 9:30 a.m. start
• Fee: €40 plus booking fee, flat rate right up to race week (but let's be honest it's going to sell out way before that)
• Goodies: Finisher medal, the famous Waterford bobble hat

Don’t miss out. Entries are open now and they will go.
👉 Enter here