Be part of one of Ireland’s most iconic race days, the Regeneron Great Limerick Run. The largest mass participation sporting event outside Dublin, it brings together over 18,000 runners each year for an unforgettable celebration of fitness, achievement, and community.
THE RACE BEGINS IN
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Event Overview
Taking place each May Bank Holiday weekend, runners take over the streets of Limerick City, choosing from a full marathon, half marathon, or 6-mile distance, all set along scenic, closed-road routes that showcase the city’s landmarks, river views, and vibrant atmosphere.
With incredible local support, a festival-like buzz, and a city-centre finish line surrounded by cheering crowds, the Regeneron Great Limerick Run delivers everything you want from a race day; energy, excitement, and a finish you’ll never forget.
What's Included
Every Bear Races event is designed to deliver a professional, enjoyable, and rewarding experience from start to finish.
Your Entry Includes:
- Professionally measured and certified course
- Chip timing for accurate results
- Bespoke Running T-shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Finish-line refreshments & goodies
- Photowall to get your race day snaps
- 15% off at Life Style Sports for all participants
Medal & T-Shirt Reveal
Coming soon!
Start & Finish Line Location
Start: Pery Square
Finish: O’Connell Street, Limerick
Parking
- On-street parking is generally free on Sundays (observe signage and restrictions towing is in operation on Race Day).
- City centre car parks such as Q-Park Harvey’s Quay and Arthurs Quay Shopping Centre are recommended.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early due to road closures.
Bag Drop
- One small bag only
- Marathon & Half Marathon: Marquee on Barrington Street
- 6-Mile: St. Michael’s Church (Pery Square)
- Opens 8:00am and closes 3:45pm
Cut-Off Time
- Course closes at 4:00pm
Schedule & Waves
Marathon Pacers
- 3hrs
- 3hrs 15mins
- 3 hrs 30 mins
- 3 hrs 45 mins
- 4hrs
- 4 hrs 30 mins
- 5hrs
Half Marathon Pacers
- 1hr 30mins
- 1hr 40 mins
- 1hr 50mins
- 2 hrs
- 2hrs 10mins
Race Numbers
• Posted: If you added postage to your order
• Collection Required:
◦ If postage wasn’t added to your order
Number Collection
Saturday 2nd May
Number collection will take place in the UL Sports Arena on Saturday 2nd May from 11am – 4:30pm.
Route Information
Marathon Route
Experience the beauty of Limerick with our scenic, flat Marathon route. Starting in Pery Square, runners travel through the city’s vibrant streets, along the River Shannon, and out toward the suburbs.
A memorable section leads through the University of Limerick and its impressive sports facilities. Along the way, landmarks like Thomond Stadium add to the atmosphere, while enthusiastic spectators create an uplifting, supportive vibe.
The final stretch returns to the city centre, where O’Connell Street welcomes you with cheering crowds and an unforgettable finish line celebration.
Read More: https://greatlimerickrun.com/the-races/marathon/
Half Marathon Route
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Limerick with our Half Marathon course.
Renowned for its scenic charm and gentle terrain, the route winds through closed streets, offering runners a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks.
As the course progresses, participants join with the Marathon and 6-Mile events for the final stretch, creating a united and exhilarating experience for over 11,000 participants.
Read More: https://greatlimerickrun.com/the-races/half-marathon/
6 Mile Route
Discover the charm of Limerick in a unique way with our 6 Mile course. This scenic and approachable route provides participants with a delightful journey through the heart of the city.
As the course unfolds, runners will traverse closed streets, capturing the essence of Limerick’s iconic landmarks. The final stretch of the route converges with the Marathon and Half Marathon, creating a shared and energising experience for all participants.
Regeneron Great Limerick Run
Date
03/05/2026 9:00 am
Distance
Marathon, Half Marathon, 6 Mile
Max Elevation
Terrain
FAQs
Yes, there will be toilets at the start line on Pery Square and at the finish line. There will also be toilets along the route. You can see these on the route maps here:
There will be water stations on the routes at:
Full/Relay Marathon: Miles 3, 6, 8.5, 12, 17.5, 20, 22, 23.5, 25.5.
Half Marathon: Miles 2,4.5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12.5.
6-Mile: Miles 1.5, 2.5, 5.5.
We do not encourage walking the Marathon because of time constraints. Rather, we encourage walkers to participate in the 6-Mile or Half Marathon events.
Yes. The course closes at 4:00pm. The first half of the course closes at 12:45pm.
All finishers will receive a finishers medal, refreshment, and the elation of having completed a remarkable event on a memorable day in a true sporting city.
Yes. There will be a bag drop facility. Exact details will be communicated in your race brief which will be sent 14 days prior to the event.
One small bag only can be handed in. Multiple bags and/or loose items will not be accepted. Suitcases and large bulky items will not be accepted.
Bag drop will close at 17:00 and bags MUST be collected before then.
As the race will be taking place on a Sunday, all on-street parking will be free, however please observe signage as parking is restricted in some areas because of the route.
Alternative options to on-street parking would be the multi-story car parks in the city centre, including:
Q-Park Harvey’s Quay
Arthurs Quay Shopping Centre.
See Here for more details.
Firstly, check that you did select and pay for race number postage. You can check this via your booking confirmation email. Either use the ‘Manage Your Bookings’ link to ‘View order’ or download your ticket and check there. If you have opted for race number postage, it will feature along with any other additional purchases, at the bottom of the ticket
If you did not opt for race number postage, you can add postage to you order up until 12th March. See ‘Can I add Race Number Postage to my Order?’
If you did not opt for postage and do not add it to your order, you will need to collect your race number from the UL Sports Arena on Saturday 2nd May between 11:00am-4:30pm.
THERE WILL BE NO RACE NUMBER COLLCTION ON RACE DAY.
If you did opt for race number postage and it has not arrived by the Friday before the event, you will need to collect a new race number from the the UL Sports Arena on Saturday 2nd May, between 11:00am-4:30pm.
Please send an email to info@greatlimerickrun.com with the subject line ‘Distance Change Request’. Distances can be amended under certain circumstances. We will need to check your order to determine whether we can accommodate your request.
NO. Refunds are not possible under any circumstance. Transfer are only possible if the event does not take place. See ‘What happens if the event is cancelled / postponed / rescheduled?
No. Under no circumstances can anyone not registered, including a child, join the course. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and by doing this, injury to both runners and children is difficult to avoid. This includes children/babies in buggies.
The minimum age for the 6-Mile race or leg of the Relay Marathon is 16yrs.
The minimum age for the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon is 18yrs.
The Children’s Run for Fun has distance for ages;
Junior & Senior Infants – 1km,
1st, 2nd & 3rd Class – 1.5km
4th,5th & 6th Class – 2km.
Results will be published on the website within 24 hours.
Official race photos will be provided by Marathon Photos Live. Photos will be available on the website after the event. Participants will receive a personalised link to access photos/Race Finish Certificate.
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