Scenic Antrim Coast half marathon among world’s fastest

Offering a mass race, an elite race and a relay race on the same course and at the same time, the Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon (27 August 2023) is now the number two half marathon in the world and has become a must-do event on the international running calendar.

Approved by World Athletics as an Elite Event, it is one of the world’s fastest half marathons and attracts amateur and elite sports people from all over the world.

Starting and finishing at the historic port of Larne, the route sweeps along the gorgeous Causeway Coast running between sandy beaches and the rugged edge of the region’s famous glens.

The turnaround point is Ballygally, a coastal village three miles north of Larne and one of the oldest inhabited areas of Ireland. It is known for its luxury castle hotel, which dates from 1625 and is said to be haunted.

A jazz band will be playing at the Ballygally turn to encourage the runners and provide a party atmosphere.

Among the confirmed elite runners for the half marathon will be local star and two-time Irish Olympian, Kevin Seaward, six-time world champion and Olympic medallist Genzebe Dibaba, UK All comers record holder Jemal Yimer and top world cross country runner Alfred Ngeno.

The half marathon will be broadcast worldwide via BBC iPlayer.

Ahead of the half-marathon, the popular Classic Street Mile takes place on Friday 25 August. Open to kids, adults and elite runners, the chip-timed, one-mile route has been officially measured and verified.

Two-time Olympian, Winnie Nanyondo, and World Junior Champion Ermias Girma are among the elite runners who will take part in the street race while five-time Olympian Jo Pavey will run with her daughter in the kids race.

The weekend of running will come to a close with a concert headlined by former Spandau Ballet front man Tony Hadley.

Runners and spectators of the race should also take the opportunity to explore more of the famous Causeway Coastal Route. It is peppered with incredible destinations including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and the Old Bushmills Distillery. It has been named as one of the most scenic road journeys in the world.

www.ireland.com