runners in wicklow
medal graphic

Volkswagen Financial Services Wicklow Half & 10K

Run the Garden County Take on one of Ireland’s most scenic and memorable races with the Wicklow Half Marathon & 10k. Starting from Wicklow’s picturesque harbour, the course winds along the coastline and into the heart of Ireland’s Garden County, a route full of charm and rolling countryside.

THE RACE BEGINS IN

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Race over!

Event Overview

Runners of all levels are welcomed to this iconic event, with its friendly atmosphere, local support, and a finish line unlike any other, inside the historic Wicklow Gaol. Whether you’re chasing a goal or simply soaking up the views, this is a race that stays with you long after you cross the line.

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

  • Finisher’s medal

  • Finish-line refreshments & goodies

medal graphic

Medal Reveal

Start & Finish Line Location

  • Start Line: South Quay, Wicklow Harbour (Google Maps)

  • Finish Line: Wicklow Gaol

Parking

  • Official event parking at:

  • Train station is a 20-minute walk from start.

  • Bus Éireann Route 133 services Wicklow.

  • Please carpool where possible and avoid illegal parking.

Bag Drop

  • Located at Blackcastle, open from 9:00am.

  • Attach the baggage label from your race number.

  • Bring a waterproof bag if raining, as area may not be covered.

Cut-Off Time

General cut-off time: 3 hours 30 minutes (Half Marathon).

Schedule & Waves

  • Half Marathon Runners: 10:30am
  • 10km: 10:40am
  • Multiple waves — faster runners to the front, joggers/walkers to the back. Chip timing ensures your race starts when you cross the line

Waves/Pacers: 

  • Wave 1: 1hour 30 mins
    Wave 2: 1 hour 45mins
    Wave 3: 2 hours
    Wave 4: 2 hours 10mins

Race Numbers

  • Posted: If you registered 3 weeks before the event

  • Collection Required:

    • Overseas & incomplete addresses

    • Registered within 3 weeks of the event

Number Collection:

  •  Race Weekend — The Sports Room, Wicklow: 14:30–16:30

  • Race Day — Blackcastle, Wicklow: 08:45–10:30

Route Information

The Wicklow routes blend coastal beauty with countryside challenge. Starting by Wicklow Harbour, runners make their way through scenic seaside roads before heading inland into the rolling terrain of the Garden County. Both races finish inside Wicklow Gaol, a truly unique experience and photo opportunity.

The 10K offers a picturesque loop ideal for a rewarding spring challenge, while the Half Marathon extends deeper into the countryside, combining stunning views with a sense of adventure and achievement.

Volkswagen Financial Services Wicklow Half & 10K

Date

21/03/2027 10:30 am
wicklow 10 km

Distance

10k & Half Marathon

Max Elevation

Terrain

FAQs

What are the rules of the race?

The rules are to ensure that everyone enjoys a fun, safe and fair event!

1. Please obey the Stewards and Gardai at all times.

2. Please keep to the course cut-off time deadlines.

3. Do not take any shortcuts off the course. You are only cheating yourself.

4. Runners must have their number clearly visible on the front of their running top.

5. Runners who finish the race without a number will not receive a finisher’s medal. There will be no exceptions to this.

6. Outside assistance is not allowed. You may carry your own food or drink but support from cars or bikes is strictly prohibited. This is in the interest of safety and of giving everyone an equal chance.

7. Do not leave valuables in bags left at the bag drop. The organisers cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen or mislaid bags.

8. It is the responsibility of participants to know the route and change over points.

9. You must register and sign the waiver to be part of the race. Failure to do so will result in forfeiting the race.

I can't run anymore, can I get a refund?

No, refunds are not available.

I can't run anymore, can my friend take my place?

Yes – entries can ‘usually’ be transferred to another runner by submitting an official name change request to our team. Name changes can usually be accommodated up until race numbers have been allocated. No changes can be made after this.

Why can't I run on someone else's number?

If you are not registered for the event in your own name and have not completed the online race waiver as part of the event registration, you are NOT permitted to run. The race entry and race number are allocated to the original purchaser. We would not have any of the emergency contact or medical details for you if you ran on their number and should there be a medical incident we would not know who you were! It is also unfair to other participants when a male runs on a number allocated to a female and visa versa and can cause someone to miss out on their rightful placing as the results will display under the original entry owners name and age/gender category!

Can i change distance?

Yes, this can usually be accommodated. It is possible to change to any distance if its not sold out. Please note if changing down you will not receive a refund and if changing up, you must pay the difference. Distance Change Requests should be sent by email to Support@bearraces.ie

What happens if the event is cancelled/postponed/rescheduled?

Should the event be postponed due to occurrences outside the control of the event organiser, the event organiser reserves the right to reschedule the event to a future date.  Those registered for the event will be accommodated on the rescheduled event date.  If the rescheduled event date does not suit the individuals needs, the event organiser will offer a deferral to the next year’s event.

Why do i have to pay for a one-day Licence?

All Athletics Ireland licenced events require participants to be licenced. If you hold annual membership you are covered. Please add your membership details when prompted. If not, you need to add a one-day licence (€2.00) to your registration. These fees do not come to the event organisers, they go direct to Athletics Ireland to support their work and development of the sport.

Can I register a group?

Yes- you can register up to 10 people in one order online. For groups of 10+ participants we can assist you with a group entry. There are discounts available for groups. please contact us at groups@bearraces.ie

Can I raise funds for a chosen charity?

Yes – there is the option on the event registration form to create a fundraising page as part of the registration process.

Can I enter after online entry has closed?

It is usually possible to register on the day, unless the event/distance has already sold-out. Check socials for updates.

When will i get my race number?

All Irish-based entries who signed up before the postalcut-off will receive their number in the post a week before the event. Anyone who signed up after this will have to collect their number. Overseas and incomplete addresses must collect their race number.

I received my race number in the post but have lost /damaged it. Can I get another one?

Yes – we can cancel the race number you were assigend and remove it from the race list. We will then be able to assign you a new race number at the help desk on the day or number collection session ahead of race day (if applicable). Please note there is a €20 replacement number fee.

Why haven't I got my race number when others have?

Race numbers are dispatched two weeks prior to the event. Please allow a few days from this date, for yours to arrive. If you have not received it by the middle of race week, please reach out to support@bearraces.ie. You may have supplied an incomplete or incorrect address. We will be able to check and assist you accordingly.

I'm visiting from abroad, how do i get my number?

Your number will be held for you to collect at one of the number collection sessions if you registered before the postal cut off and supplied an overseas address. Please come to the ‘Internationals’ collection point. If you registered after the postal cut-off date, you should collect from the main collection point.

Is there a medal?

All finishers get a unique medal to mark their achievement.

I ordered a t-shirt, when will i get it?

If you ordered additional Bear Races Running apparel, as an additional purchase, this is posted out separately, approx. two weeks from the date of order.

If i don't make it to the event, will my medal be posted out to me?

No – to receive a finishers medal you must attend and collect in person. We are not able to post anything out after the event.

What are the age restrictions?

We follow Athletics Ireland’s official guidance, minimum ages are; 6-Mile / 10km is 16yrs. Half Marathon / ¾ Marathon and Full Marathon distances, is 18yrs.

When is the race brief sent out?

The race brief is typically sent out one week prior to the event and then again the day before the event. If you haven’t received the email, make sure and check your spam.

What time should i arrive at the event?

You should arrive well in advance of the start of the race, especially if you need to collect your race number. Give yourself time to prepare for the race, have a stretch and orient yourself with the start area. If you have your race number already, just arrive with it already pinned to you and you are all set and ready to run!

Will there be pacers?

Events of Half marathon distance and above will have pacers. Pacers are typcically for the following times: Half Marathon: 1:30hrs, 1:40hrs, 1:50hrs, 2:00hrs and 2:10hrs.

Is there a time limit?

Yes, Half Marathon cut-off is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Can I walk the race?

We welcome all abilities and we encourage everyone to take the event at their won pace. Please just be aware that there is a strict course cut-off time, so you’ll need to keep a pace that sees you finish within that window.

Is the course wheelchair accessible?

Yes this course is wheelchair accessible but the course is extremely hilly!

Is there somewhere to leave my bag?

Yes, bag drop is at Blackcastle, which opens from 9:00am.

Is there parking?

Yes, at Wicklow Council Offices and the train station.

Are there toilets on the route?

Yes, at start/finish, plus at 6.5km, 12km & 16km.

Where are the water stations?

10km: 6.5km

Half Marathon: 6.5km, 12km, 16km

Are water stations bottles or cups?

Water is provided in paper cups. Please use the bins provided.

Are there any showers / changing facilities?

No, showers and changing facilities are not provided.

Can I wear headphones?

Yes, headphones are permitted. However, you must stay aware of marshals, Gardaí, pedestrians, and other participants.

Can my kids run the last part with me?

NO. Under no circumstance 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. Please be considerate and think of other participants.

When/Where do I get my results?

Results can be found on our website under the results section after the event. Timing services supplied by www.myrunresults.com

Are prizes awarded for placing in the event?

No, there are no prizes awarded for placing in the event.

When/Where can I get event photos?

Event photos are available within 48 hours after the event and are provided by our offical photography partner myrunphotos.ie

You will revieve an email before and after the event with a link to the event Gallery.

Still Have Questions?

Join The Race,
Sign Up Today!

Get the latest race announcements, offers, and running inspiration.

runners blue variant

Search Website