All races are run on sealed rural roads. The half-marathon has an individual start line approximately 500m from the Waterfront in Clonakilty. Stewards on race day will direct participants toward the half marathon start.

The route travels 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.

On turning left the route climbs gently for 500m. At the top of this climb there are spectacular views over Clonakilty Bay and the rolling West Cork landscape. From this point the route is a combination of downhill and flat sections to the finish. The route descends into the Cloheen Strand Intake and rejoins the causeway cross roads. Slower half-marathon runners are asked to beware of faster marathon runners who potentially will arrive at this point on the course. Should this occur, please give way to the faster runners and encourage them on their way.From here runners follow the coast back into Clonakilty and the finish line at the Waterfront.

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