The 2026 Donegal Half Marathon is on course to attract an entry of over 1,000 participants for the second successive year.
In 2025 a total of 1,125 took part in the road race that’s held in and around Letterkenny. With over three weeks to go to this year’s race, race director, Brendan McDaid, revealed that there are 930 registered online.
“The huge increase in the demand for places last year did take the organising committee somewhat by surprise, and thankfully we were able to cater for such a large field. We are delighted at the level of interest in this year’s Donegal Half Marathon. Three and a half weeks out from this year’s race, indications are that we will exceed the 1,000 mark for a second year in a row,” he commented.
“When the Donegal Half Marathon was set up in 2014, the long-term aim was to attract an entry of 1,000. It was great to reach that milestone last year and I’m confident that we will do the same again this year,” the race director added.
A few small changes to the course in recent years along with the increase in people running and the reintroduction of the relay section have helped boost the numbers.
“We had 52 relay teams entered last year, and it looks like we will have a similar number again this year. The relay event certainly added to the interest and to the buzz of the Donegal Half Marathon. We are always looking at new ways to make the event more attractive and we are extremely happy with the entry for this year,” Brendan said.
Once again, Letterkenny-based company, Optum, will be a key corporate sponsor of the local event.
Acknowledging the ongoing support of the local company, Donegal Half Marathon Ambassador, Danny McDaid, said: “We have several key partners and Optum have been with us since the first race twelve years ago. The company sponsors the high-visibility t-shirts for event volunteers and marshals, while a number of their staff members help on the day of the race while others compete.
“We appreciate their help and support and look forward to our long and loyal partnership with Optum continuing.”
This year’s Donegal Half Marathon takes place in association with Kernans on Sunday, August 30th with an earlier start time of 9 am. Race headquarters will be located at Aura Leisure Centre.
To enter, follow the link below:
