Ready to push your limits and achieve new personal bests? Galway’s 2025 races and fitness events offer the perfect challenge, whether you’re into 5Ks, 10Ks, marathons, obstacle courses, or open-water swims, there’s something for every athlete.
Explore our Galway Fitness Goals Calendar to find the best running events, fun runs, walks, and endurance challenges. These annual races are the perfect way to stay motivated, and with the support of Galway’s top trainers, you’ll have everything you need to smash your goals.
If you want to get started on your own fitness journey and need some encouragement, tap here to meet some of the amazing gyms in Galway who specialise in just that.
Before we dive into the fitness calendar, we want to first give you some options of where you can go on a weekly basis, so that you have a consistent support system during your fitness journey.
Parkruns & Run Clubs
Taking place on a weekly basis, parkruns are a phenomenal way to exercise and create new challenges for yourself. Taking place every Saturday morning at 9.30am, these are a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k run/walk community event. Best of all these runs are timed so you can track your weekly progress with ease. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Locations for these parkruns in Galway are; Oranmore, Coole Park, Oughterard, Mountbellew Forest, Portumna, Clonbur Woods, Inis Meáin, University of Galway, and Knocknacarra. Alternatively, joining a running club is a fantastic way to stay fit, meet new people, and get out of the house. It’s a fun and free community based activity that brings friendly, like-minded people together to motivate and inspire one another. We want to help find the right run club for you so we have compiled a list of our favourite running clubs in Galway. Check them out here and we’ll see you at the start line!
above: photo from Connemarathon, photo by doorusphoto.net
Spring into Action (fitness events in February, March & April)
Galway Women's Mini Marathon
When: February 2nd 2026
Where: start/finish line near the Craughwell AC Athletic Grounds on the Galway side of Craughwell
Registration fee: 10K run - €25
More information + registration
This is a women’s only event to celebrate the St-Brigid’s bank holiday in the west. Just 20 minutes from Galway City, this is a chance for women to get together and run, jog or walk past Europe’s largest Turlough and celebrate being alive. Goals Gym Galway are the Proud Sponsors of the Galway Women’s Mini Marathon and they will also be running the pre race warm up on the day. Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome.
Additional race details: On the day, all participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a beanie hat. Prize money for the top 3 ladies and 1st Junior (u20). All proceeds go to the facilities & development at Craughwell A.C.
Kinvara Rock and Road
When: March 7th 2026
Where: start/finish line in Kinvara village by the quay
Registration fee: 10K run - €30, half marathon - €45, 3/4 marathon - €50
More information + registration
A phenomenal way to test your fitness on country roads, at the Kinvara Rock and Road race it is your choice between 10K, half or three quarter marathon races. Every finisher in the race will receive an accurate finishing time as you will have an electronic timing chip built into your race number that will be activated as soon as you cross the start and finish lines.
Additional race details: Race number posted to you, custom Rock and Road finisher’s medal, chip timing, water at intervals on course, water and banana at finishing line, toilet facilities at start/finish line, shower facilities, pacers, post race refreshments, and prizes will be awarded to the first 3 male and female finishers for all distances.
Portumna 10K Run
When: March 15th 2026
Where: Portumna Forest Park
Registration fee: €32, under 16 yrs - €5
More information + registration
Known as the most beautiful race in Ireland, the Portumna 10K Run is a scenic race which will take you through the stunning Portumna Forest Park, where you’ll enjoy lush greenery and peaceful trails. Along the route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the River Shannon, passing the marina and including a stretch along the newly developed Blueway. As you run, you’ll also have the historic Portumna Castle and Abbey in your view, adding a touch of heritage to this beautiful course.
Additional race details: Prizes for 1st to third places, more exciting additions to be announced.
Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run
When: April 18th 2026
Where: start/finish line is An Pháirc (Páirc Peile Inis Oírr)
Registration fee: 10K Run - €50, 5K Run - €50, 13-17 yrs - €20, under 12 yrs - €10
More information + registration
The annual 5K and 10K road race on Inis Oírr, takes participants around this beautiful small Aran Island. It is a fabulous way to see everything the island has to offer while simultaneously challenging your fitness. By taking part you will also be helping to raise funds for a worthy cause as this event acts as a fundraiser for Coláiste Ghobnait, the island’s secondary school.
Additional race details: chip timing, refreshments available before and after the race, island map, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in 10K and 5K runs for both men and women, 1st and 2nd place prizes for over 40s, 50s, & 60s for both men and women, and all under 12s participating will receive a certificate for taking part.
Connemarathon - Connemara International Marathon
When: April 19th 2026
Where: Connemara - the different races start at different points but all finish at Maam Cross
Registration fee: half marathon - €70, full marathon - €75, ultra marathon - €80 (registration includes transport to/from race)
More information + registration
This is the Connemara International Marathon with three race lengths- half marathon, full marathon and ultra marathon! It’s one of the world’s most scenic running events so it’s really no surprise that participants travel from near and far to take part in it. Please note that you need to be 18 years or older to enter.
Additional race details: race packs will be sent by post, water every 3 miles approx, post race refreshments, finishers’ medal, toilets at the start, finish and every 3 miles, medical personnel, race doctor, ambulances and a medic motorbike.
Cuckoo Children’s Fun Run
When: as part of Fleadh na gCuach 2026
Where: start line at Kinvara Community Centre
Registration fee: €2 - registration on the day
More information + registration
An annual kid friendly fun run/walk in the seaside Kinvara - it’s a great day out for the whole family! There are races for U6s to U16s. These races are not timed and are marshalled.
Additional race details: Medals for all participants.
Galway 5km Series
When: over 6 consecutive weeks in April/May
Where: different location every week
Registration fee: €15 or €30
More information + registration
The County Galway 5km series is an initiative of the Galway Athletic Clubs. Over 6 consecutive Tuesday nights, a 5km race is organised by one of the participating athletic clubs across Galway County. The format is simple - one race number covers the entire series (you’ll receive yours once you register). No prizes are awarded, but anyone who completes the races gets a souvenir race t-shirt. All proceeds of the 5km series go to fund juvenile and adult athletics in Galway.
above: Inis Iron Meáin
Race through Summer (fitness events in May, June & July)
Darkness into Light
When: May 9th 2026
Where: locations all across Galway
Registration fee: adult - €26, child - €5, family (maximum of two adults + five kids) - €62, concession (students, seniors, jobseekers) - €21
More information + registration
Darkness Into Light 5K walk or run, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, is an inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to support mental health and prevent suicide. This event raises funds for Pieta House.
Lough Cutra Castle Multisport; swim, triathlon, mixed team relay, run series
When: May 23rd & 24th 2026
Where: Grounds of Lough Cutra Castle
Registration fee: various races/costs available see here
More information + registration
This Lough Cutra Castle Races Series features some truly iconic courses in the West of Ireland. The weekend will host a huge range of races for all ages and abilities. To register participants can pick a discipline - triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim and run - and choose a distance from starter to elite.
The Croí Corrib Charity Cycle
When: June 7th 2026
Where: start line at Dangan Sports Pavilion, finish line at Croí Heart & Stroke Centre
Registration fee: €55
More information + registration
Get on your bike to help raise funds for Croí Heart & Stroke Charity. With routes of either 107km or 47km, both routes begin at Dangan Sports Facility Carpark, travelling north towards Moycullen, Oughterard before concluding at Croí House in Newcastle.
Additional race details: participants will receive a souvenir t-shirt, full route support, medical support, mechanical support and refreshments.
Galway Longest Day Swim
When: June 27th
Where: River Corrib. The 4km swim starts at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, 2.5km swim starts at Dangan in University of Galway. Finish line for both races is at Steamers Quay in Woodquay.
Registration fee: €35
More information + registration
Organised by Galway Swimming Club in support of their charity partner for the year. The Galway Longest Day Swim is a timed, open water river swim for competent over 18’s open water swimmers.
Additional race details: shower facilities post race, swimmers will be provided with numbered bags and a van will transport your gear to the Woodquay finishing point, bus transfer to starting lines.
Inis Iron Meáin: The Original Island Road Race
When: May 2nd 2026
Where: Halla Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin, Aran Islands
Registration fee: standard - €50, teen ages 13-17 yrs - €30, children (under 12s) - €10, islanders - €40
More information + registration
A major social event for Inis Meáin, the course is exceptionally scenic with options of a 5K or 10K road race or a more challenging 12K route which includes a stunning beach run along Ceann Gainimh. The funds raised goes to support Coláiste Naomh Eoin, the island’s secondary school.
Additional race details: participants will receive a goody bag w/ race number, sports garment, Inis Iron Meáin t-shirt, energy drink & energy bar, map of island course, ticket for a barbecue buffet.
Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim
When: July 18th 2026
Where: starting from Aughinish in Co. Clare, finishing at Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill
Registration fee: €50
More information + registration
The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim is one of the longest open-water swims in Ireland (13km) and is the only bay swim crossing on the Wild Atlantic Way. The swim is now part of the Irish Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming – a series of three Irish marathon swims.
Additional race details: swimmers are supported by over 80 boats and 150 crew in the bay. For the final 100 metres, paddle boards and kayaks guided the swimmers home. A team of local boat captains, sailors, fishermen, Civil Defence, and Oranmore-Maree Coastal Rescue will oversee the swimmers’ safety on the crossing.
Cross the finishing line in Autumn (fitness events in August, September & October)
Streets of Galway 8K Road Race
When: August 8th 2026
Where: streets of Galway city, start line on Fr Griffin Road, finish line in South Park
Registration fee: €28
More information + registration
Each year, Galway City Harriers hosts this famous city street race that is sponsored by Blackrock Health Galway Clinic. The route leads participants along iconic sights such as; Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, UG and more. It's a truly unique way to tour Galway city!
Additional race details: participants will receive race t-shirt, number and chip timing, toilets at start/finish lines, water station at 5K mark and finish line, prizes for top 3 men and top 3 women finishers.
Galway Walking Club Marathon & Half Marathon
When: August 8th 2026
Where: Maam Community Centre Car Park, Connemara
Registration fee: €50 (includes a hot meal after you finish at the Community Centre and a donation is made to Galway Mountain Rescue)
More information + registration
Galway Walking Marathon takes place in some of the most scenic places in Connemara!The meeting point for registration and bus collection is at Maam Community Centre and the route is from Killary to Maam Valley mostly along the Western Way. It is mainly a flat walk, the highest point being Maumean at 259 meters, and while about one-third of the walk is on the road the route is chiefly on green road or forest track. There are spectacular views of Killary Fjord, the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens along the route and the walk is a terrific way to experience this part of the country.
Additional race details: Walkers will be taken by bus to the start of the walk. All participants should bring a packed lunch and water and have walking boots and rainwear. Limited supply of Water at check points. For safety reasons please let those manning the nearest checkpoint know if you wish to drop out at any stage of the walk and transport will be arranged back to the centre.
Turf Warrior
When: September 8th 2026
Where: Leenane
Registration fee: various costs available see here
More information + registration
If you really want to challenge yourself, this is an epic 8K mud run & obstacle course challenge. The event is packed full of mud & bog, climbing & swinging, leaping into the Atlantic & all kinds of other mayhem and madness by the beautiful Killary Fjord.
Additional race details: fully marked route with marshals, first aid & safety team, free competitors parking, post event participants will get event t-shirts, refreshments, and live music entertainment.
Run Galway Bay - 10K - HALF MARATHON - FULL MARATHON
When: October 4th 2026
Where: start/finish line at Nimmo’s Pier, Claddagh
Registration fee: 10K Run - €35, Half Marathon - €50, Full Marathon - €60
More information + registration
A flat and scenic route awaits at this race course. Opt for the 10K, full or half marathon and run or walk your way along Galway Bay. This is great fun to compete with your colleagues or friends and their website provides loads of helpful training tips to set you up for success on the day.
Additional race details: chip timing, water stations, toilets, first aid centre, fruit and light refreshments, post race massage, finishers medal and t-shirt.
Croí 5km Night Run
When: October 17th 2025
Where: start/finish line at Mutton Island
Registration fee: adult - €35, Student - €25,Youth (13-18 yrs) - €25, 12 and under - free, O.A.P - €30, Team entry available
More information + registration
This is one fun run that you can take part in individually or register as part of a team with your family, friends, or colleagues to walk, run or jog! Participants will receive a special Croí Night Run Goodie Bag when they register too.
Craughwell 10 Mile & 10K Road Race
When: September 7th 2025
Where: Craughwell
Registration fee: entry for 10 mile is €30, entry for 10K is €25
More information + registration
The Craughwell 10 Mile and 10km road race is one of Galway’s favourite races. The race was established in 2010 and takes place on a fairly flat course which takes participants through Craughwell Village and the quaint and scenic countryside and surrounding hinterlands. The event is organised by the Craughwell Athletic Club.
Additional race details: It is AAI Certified, chip timed, post-race food and beverages at St Michael’s community hall (Race HQ), participants will also receive their race number and a finisher’s medal as well as other secret swag.
Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim
When: September 13th 2025
Where: Killary Fjord
Registration fee: various races/costs available see here
More information + registration
This sea swimming event has a choice of 3 distances: 3.9km (full Ironman distance), 2km, or 750m for those with experience in open sea swimming. Tow-floats must be worn by all competitors. You can rent these when you enter or on the day at the information desk.
Additional race details: There will be a team of expert kayakers and safety boats with you all the way and a medical team on hand. Participants will receive a finishers t-shirt, swim hat with timing chip, free parking, and post race refreshments.
above: Turf Warrior
Warm up with a run in Winter (fitness events in November, December & January)
Christmas Swim for COPE
When: December 20th-26th
Where: wherever you can, main location at Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill
Registration fee: €20
More information + registration
A hybrid and festive event, for the COPE’s annual Christmas swim you can opt to join them at Blackrock Beach on Christmas day or participate with a swim wherever you are. Funds raised help provide vital support for families, men, women and children in Galway.
Fields of Athenry 10K + Kids 1K race
When: December 26th 2025
Where: start line is behind the train station and finish line is under the historic arch in the heart of the town
Registration fee: €25/€29 for adults, €15 for ages 15-17 years, €100 for a family ticket (team of 4), and €100 for corporate team entry (team of 4). For the kids' 1K entry is €5.
More information + registration
The Fields of Athenry 10K is an annual 10km road race that takes place every St. Stephen’s Day. Over the last number of years this has become one of the leading road races in the country. As well as the 10km main event, there is also a 1km kids race that starts and finishes at the arch. The event is hosted by Athenry AC.
Additional race details: participants will receive a race number and a participation hat, pacers, water station between the 5K and 6K mark and at the finish line, and prizes in a number of different categories. For the kids' race all finishers will receive a medal.
Resolution 5k Run
When: January 1st 2026
Where: streets of Galway city, start line in South Park, finish line at Claddagh Hall
Registration fee: €25
More information + registration
The Resolution Run is a fast and flat 5K road race that takes place on the morning of New Years Day on Galway city centre's streets. This is the perfect social activity to begin the new year.
Additional race details: there is a superb souvenir gift for all entrants, category prizes are available and there will be refreshments after race too.
Feature photo by doorusphoto.net
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