All races are run on sealed rural roads. The Mini-marathon and full marathon share a common start at the Waterfront in Clonakilty and travel down the main street to sample the festive atmosphere that Clonakilty will offer. On exiting the town the common course turns left onto the ring road to complete a lap of town before heading out along the scenic Inchydoney road. The courses diverge at the final causeway at Island Strand Intake with the Mini-marathon turning right onto the causeway and the Full- and Half-marathons continuing onto Inchydoney Island proper. Please take note of the road race signs directing each route. Marshals will identify runners by the colour of their bib numbers and direct you accordingly.

On the approach to the Island Strand Intake causeway stay to the left of the road as both full and half marathon courses continue onto Inchydoney Island. Please use the left side of the road at all times while on Inchydoney Island. The route climbs onto the island with spectacular views over Clonakilty Bay. Dropping down toward the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa Hotel, the first of the ‘out-course timing mats’ is passed. It is essential that runners cross this timing mat to register an official race time. Having completed a short loop at the end of the Island the route runs back along the Island Road to the Island Strand Intake causeway. It is essential that runners use the left side of the road on the way out and back on the island to avoid crossing and congestion. Both routes then turn left onto the causeway and cross the Dunmore road to pass the Cloheen Holiday Village. At Carhoo Cross Roads both routes continue up a short climb to beyond Clashagarry Cross Roads. 600m beyond Clashagarry the routes split with the Half-marathon turning LEFT and the Full-marathon continuing STRAIGHT on toward Rathbarry.

Please take note of the road race signs directing each route. Marshals will identify runners by the colour of their bib numbers and direct runners accordingly. At Clashagarry Cross Roads the marathon course continues straight ahead and meanders (mostly gently downhill) through the West Cork Countryside toward the picturesque village of Rathbarry. In Rathbarry the route passes through the woods, straight through the cross roads and turns right into the Castlefreake Forestry Park. Runners pass the half-marathon mark and the second ‘out-course timing mat’. On exiting the park at Owenahincha the route turns left onto the coast road climbs Cloghna Head with spectacular views over Galley Head and the Galley Head Lighthouse. The route hugs the coast passing Long Strand before crossing Galley Head and dropping down into Red Strand. On exiting Red Strand the route turns left along the valley road and climbs gradually for approximately 2 miles. This challenging section of the route brings participants to the North of Ardfield Village revealing breathtaking views over Clonakilty Bay and the Cliffs at Dunnycove. Dropping down to Duneen Strand runners continue along the coast to Dunmore to rejoin the common run-in to the finish at the causeway cross roads. Faster marathon runners may encounter slower half-marathon runners at this point. Slower half-marathoners are asked to beware and give way to faster marathon runners. The common course is a scenic run-in along the causeways back to the finish at the Waterfront, Clonakilty.

• To see a map with on-course facilities click here.