Kilkenny prepares for battle!
Kilkenny provides the historic backdrop for Ireland’s 5th Medieval Marathon. On the 12th of September 2026, participants will set off from High Street (beside the Thosel/Town Hall) for the Marathon, 30K, and Half Marathon, and the 10K will start at St Francis Bridge (the new bridge). The route will take in some of the most historic sites in the medieval city before winding out the country roads, making its way back to Kilkenny to finish in front of Butler Gallery in the heart of the city. All finishers will be rewarded with a bespoke medal and technical t-shirt to celebrate the battle victory!
Full Marathon: 8:15am
30K 8:15am
Half Marathon: 8:45am
10K: 9:15am
The 10K, Half Marathon, 30K and Full Marathon start at Abbey Quarter
View on google maps MP4W+28
The first water stop is at the first 4miles/6.3km mark and the next water stops are approximately every 3 miles/5K.
Yes, walkers can participate in this event but there is a seven-hour cut off for the marathon.
You can pick up your race numbers at the Water Barracks MP3Q+QJ Kilkenny.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE ON TIME, AS ONCE THE RUN STARTS THE ROADS IN THE CITY REOPEN AND WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ANYONE STARTING LATE.
Please allow sufficient time for parking and number pick up that is on Friday evening 6pm to 8:30pm and Saturday morning from 6:30am up to one hour before your chosen distance. Number pick up will at The Water Barracks MP3Q+QJ. Please walk to here as there is no parking.
Parking can be in the Dean ST car park, Market Yard, County Hall, Ormonde Street multi story car park please beware of where you park as a lot of the city is paid parking.
If you are picking up someone else’s number make sure to have a print out or a copy on your phone of the confirmation email.
No Registration on The Day
Car parking spaces available at County Hall, there are a limited amount of spaces. https://goo.gl/maps/YV62Ja48X9T2 Car parking spaces available also in the Ormond Hotel Multi-storey Car Park for €5 from 7am to 7pm only. You must go up to the customers desk to avail of this offer. Car parking spaces available also in Dean st carpark.
Yes, it is located at the finish line. The baggage will not be transported to any point in the course, it will remain in the baggage area until the owner collects it. No bags or
any other items will be accepted at the start line so please if have a bag drop it at the finish line
