About
Get ready for one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting events - the Antrim Coast Half Marathon! Taking place in and around Larne, this race is perfect for runners aged 17 and up and has been a huge hit since it kicked off in 2020.
If you love a fast, flat course with stunning views, this is the race for you - or if you just want to come out and cheer on the runners, it’s a fantastic day out. The route hugs the scenic Antrim Coast Road, runs through Larne harbour and town, and even takes in the charming village of Ballygally.
This event draws runners from all over the world - over 30 countries and five continents - and it’s officially recognised as a top-level race by World Athletics. Elite athletes from around the globe come to compete, so there’s plenty of action to watch.
The race happens on Sunday 23 August 2026. The start hub is situated in Larne Town Parks (BT40 1DY) and the finishing point for the race is at the iconic Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne.
There will also be a new 5K run taking place at 09:00 - just before the half marathon kicks off at 11:00.
So, mark your calendar, bring your friends and family, and come enjoy a day full of energy, breathtaking views, and great company. The Antrim Coast Half Marathon is the perfect reason to get outside and have some fun!
Spectators Event Guide – 2026 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon
Sunday 23 August 2026
The 7th edition of the Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon promises to be the biggest and most exciting in the event's history, with the strongest elite field ever assembled in the UK and Ireland. Featuring Olympic medallists, major marathon champions, World Championship finalists and some of the fastest half marathon runners in the world, this World Athletics Elite Label race will once again showcase Northern Ireland's spectacular coastline to a global audience.
Thousands of runners will take on one of the world's fastest and most scenic half marathon courses, alongside international representative teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Whether you're cheering from the roadside or watching from home, expect a day of world-class racing, incredible atmosphere and unforgettable entertainment.
WHO'S RUNNING?
Men's Race Highlights
Isaia Lasoi (Kenya)
One of the fastest half marathon runners in the world with a sensational personal best of 58:10, the winner of the 2025 Boston Half Marathon, Lasoi, arrives as one of the favourites for victory and could challenge the course record.
Daniel Mateiko (Kenya)
The Antrim Coast champion returns to the course where he produced one of the greatest performances ever seen on UK and Irish roads. The UK & Ireland All-Comers Record holder remains the fastest athlete ever over the half marathon distance in these islands and returns fresh from his 2 hr 03 min marathon in Tokyo earlier in the year.
Samwel Chebolei (Kenya)
The 2026 Prague Half Marathon runner-up boasts a superb 58:48 best and continues to establish himself among the world's elite road racers.
Edward Cheserek (Kenya/USA)
Former Copenhagen Half Marathon champion and one of the most accomplished distance runners of his generation, renowned for his outstanding collegiate and international career.
Yismaw Dillu (Ethiopia)
Winner of the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon, Dillu has rapidly emerged as one of Ethiopia's brightest stars after breaking the one-hour barrier.
Vincent Kipkorir (Kenya)
Fresh from victory at the 2026 Malaga Half Marathon, Kipkorir arrives in excellent form.
Mohamed Esa (Ethiopia)
One of the world's leading marathon runners with runner-up finishes at both the Boston and Chicago Marathons, before winning the 2026 Cape Town Marathon.
Galen Rupp (USA)
A true athletics legend, Rupp is a two-time Olympic medallist, former Chicago Marathon champion and Olympic marathon and 10,000m silver and bronze medallist.
Marc Scott (Great Britain & NI)
World Indoor 3000m bronze medallist and one of Britain's finest distance runners, making a highly anticipated appearance on the Antrim Coast.
Hiko Tonosa (Ireland)
Ireland's three-time national champion leads the home challenge and will be aiming for a memorable performance in front of home supporters.
Little Nick Kitundu (Kenya)
Winner of the 2025 Seoul Marathon, the emerging Kenyan marathon star adds even more depth to an exceptional men's field.
Women's Race Highlights
Girmawit Gebrzihair (Ethiopia)
Leading the field with a stunning 64:14 personal best, the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion is among the fastest women ever to compete on the Antrim Coast.
Wede Kefale (Ethiopia)
Third at the 2025 Copenhagen Half Marathon and fourth in this year's Valencia 10km, Kefale arrives with an outstanding 65:21 best.
Degitu Azimeraw (Ethiopia)
One of the world's premier marathon runners, boasting a 2:17:58 marathon personal best, victories in Barcelona and runner-up at the London Marathon.
Sarah Chelangat (Uganda)
Runner-up at the 2026 Paris Half Marathon, Chelangat continues to establish herself among Africa's leading distance runners.
Mercy Chebwogen (Kenya)
Former World Junior Champion with a 66:32 personal best and extensive championship experience.
Jess Warner-Judd (Great Britain & NI)
British Olympian enjoying an outstanding period on the roads following impressive performances at both the London and New York Marathons.
Annie Frisbie (USA)
Twice an eighth-place finisher at the Boston Marathon and one of America's leading road racers.
Dakotah Popehn (USA)
Olympic marathon finalist who returns after finishing third on the Antrim Coast in 2025, looking to challenge for the podium once again.
Mekides Shimeles (Ethiopia)
Winner of the 2026 Rotterdam Marathon, one of Ethiopia's exciting emerging stars.
Lily Partridge (Great Britain & NI)
Experienced British international and consistent performer over the marathon and half marathon. Winner of the inaugural Antrim Coast Half Marathon back in 2020.
Special Guest Pacer
Jo Pavey (Great Britain & NI)
Returning for a 7th year, Five-time Olympian Jo Pavey will pace the Sub-2 Hour Half Marathon group, offering runners the unique opportunity to achieve their target alongside one of Britain's greatest ever endurance athletes. Pavey's remarkable career spans five Olympic Games and includes European Championship gold and multiple Commonwealth medals, making her one of the most respected figures in world athletics.
WATCH LIVE AROUND THE WORLD
Global Stream
Fans across the globe can watch every moment live from Northern Ireland's spectacular Antrim Coast.
World Athletics Live
World Athletics will stream the race live across all their digital platforms, bringing the action to an audience of more than five million viewers worldwide, showcasing one of the world's premier half marathon road races.
FloSports
Viewers across North America can watch the race live on FloSports tv, with comprehensive coverage throughout the United States and Canada.
Coverage also streams live via the official event website from 10:15am BST.
Race Timetable
Time / Event
9:00am: Condor Executive 5K starts
10:15am: Live global broadcast begins
11:00am: Half Marathon starts
Approx. 11:57am: Elite men's winner expected
Participants should arrive at least one hour before their race and be inside their allocated start pen 30 minutes before the start.
How to Watch
Spectators can enjoy the race from several viewing points around the course or watch live online via the official event website www.antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com from 10:15am.
Highlights include:
Giant LED screen at Sandy Bay showing live race coverage
Grandstand seating at the finish line
Live music and entertainment throughout the day
Food vendors and bar at Sandy Bay Finish Hub
Best Places to Watch
Start & Larne Town Centre
Watch the start at the Victoria Road/Glenarm Road junction before moving to Larne Main Street to see the leaders pass the 5km mark.
Entertainment:
Paul Sexton performing live on Main Street from 11:00am.
The leaders are expected to reach:
5km – approximately 13 minutes 30 seconds
Finish – approximately 57 minutes
Drains Bay – 10km
Excellent viewing point overlooking the coastline.
Entertainment:
DJ Marc Dobbin
Access via:
Old Glenarm Road
Branch Road
Carnfunnock Country Park
One of the most scenic locations on the course.
Access via:
Old Glenarm Road
Branch Road
Ballygally Village – The Turn
One of the loudest spectator zones where athletes make the turn back towards Larne.
Entertainment:
The All-New Martello Jazz Band
Access via:
Croft Road
Cairncastle Road
Finish Area
The best atmosphere of the day.
Features include:
Finish Grandstand
Giant LED screen
Sandy Bay entertainment hub
Downshire Brass
Food village
Bar
Live music
The first 300 metres of the promenade (accessed via Tower Road/Leisure Centre) will remain open for spectators.
Car Parking
Car parks open from 7:00am. Spectators should be parked by 9:00am. Parking is first-come, first-served
All race routes are fully closed to traffic
For full car parking information, please visit the Car Parking section on the official event website.
Road Closures
Road closures begin from 7:00am. All spectators are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays.
We look forward to welcoming thousands of spectators to the 7th Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon for what promises to be the greatest day of road racing ever staged in the UK and Ireland. Join us on the Antrim Coast to witness world-class athletes, incredible entertainment and an unforgettable festival of running.
