Waterford’s Viking Marathon is no ordinary race
Take in the stunning scenery along the route of the annual Waterford Viking Marathon. Join in the excitement on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22.
Forget boring city routes and soulless circuits. Enjoy Waterford’s Viking Marathon — where the unique atmosphere and beautiful scenery promise an experience that will live long in the memory.
In Waterford, the marathon winds through ancient streets, past river views and blooming gardens, cheered on by Vikings and locals alike. This is not just a race. It’s an experience.
The Waterford Viking Marathon returns this June for its 13th year, and it's quickly becoming one of Ireland's most loved running events. Last summer, the streets were buzzing. The sun shone from start to finish.
Runners crossed the line beaming, medals swinging, soaking up the pride of what they'd just done. This year promises even more.
Starting in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city, the route brings runners through the historic Viking Triangle, down along the Suir, out onto the Waterford Greenway, and through the magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens before looping back into the city.
Whether you’re in it for the scenery, the history or the atmosphere, it delivers on all fronts. Participants can choose the full marathon, half marathon or 10k, and for the first time ever, there's an 8k disability-friendly run, building on the success of last year's Autism Friendly event.
With trained stewards offering support along the way and the option to bring a companion, this event opens the door for even more people to take part.
This is one of the most inclusive runs in Europe. Fast, slow or somewhere in between, everyone gets a warm welcome and a medal to match.
The Saturday before the main event also sees hundreds of children take part in races from 200m to 2.5km at the RSC, proving you're never too young to catch the running bug.
Waterford doesn't do things by halves. The Viking Marathon is part of a two-day festival packed with music, family fun and the kind of atmosphere that brings people back year after year.
Even if you’re not lacing up, it's worth coming just to soak it all in. It’s also a celebration of community. Marathon organiser Fiona Craughan only moved to Waterford two years ago, but she's already at the heart of it.
“I might be a blow-in, but on marathon day I feel like I've lived here all my life,” she says. “There's something special about how the whole city gets behind it. You can't help but feel proud.”
This year's chosen charity is the RNLI, with funds supporting lifeboat stations in Helvick Head, Tramore and Dunmore East. The event is powered by hundreds of volunteers and supported by local champions like WLR FM, Sanofi, Azzurri, Flahavan’s, Carten Controls, Sun Life, Clem Jacob Hire, Bausch and Lomb and Waterford City and County Council.
Clonliffe Harriers’ Tudor Moldovan, a former men's winner, says the Viking Marathon is one of his favourite events of the year. She says: “The views are stunning. The second half is mostly downhill, and the crowds keep you going. It's a proper race, organised by people who love what they do.”
Linda Grogan from Dundrum AC, who has won both the full and half marathon, agrees: “I’ve marked it in the calendar again. The route keeps you interested, the volunteers are brilliant, and the atmosphere is one of the best. It's a race where everyone feels like a winner.”
So, what are you waiting for?
The Waterford Viking Marathon takes place Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22. Get involved, get inspired and maybe even get a personal best.
Register now at
