Connemara International Marathon

Connemara International Marathon is one of Ireland’s most distinctive destination races, staged in the rugged landscape of Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Rather than centering on a major city marathon format, the event is built around the dramatic scenery of Ireland’s west coast, with routes that pass through open countryside, lakeside stretches, and rolling terrain before finishing in Maam Cross. The official race information emphasizes that the half, full, and ultra all start in different locations across Connemara and finish in the same area, giving the event a point-to-point feel and a reputation for both beauty and challenge. 

What makes the race especially memorable is that it is not marketed as a fast, flat city marathon. The official site openly leans into the scenery and toughness of the course, describing the half marathon as featuring “two tough hills,” the full as having a “tough second half,” and the ultra as offering “everything Connemara has to offer.” That positioning has helped make the Connemara International Marathon, often shortened to Connemarathon, one of the most recognized road races in the west of Ireland and a popular choice for runners looking for atmosphere, landscape, and a more character-filled race experience.