WORDS: Chris Woods
What?
The Causeway Coast Marathon has established itself as one of the most scenic marathons that the world has to offer and attracts participants from all corners of the globe. The Causeway Coast Marathon has something to offer for every type of runner with the addition of the Ultra Marathon (60km) race in 2010.
Added to that are the Marathon itself and Half Marathon, as well as a 10K race and a Coastal Challenge Walk (26 miles), although the walk is hosted by the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association rather than 26extreme who host all the other races.
When?
26th September 2015, 7:15am
Where?
The races are hosted at the Giant’s Causeway National Trust site near the town of Coleraine on the north coast of Northern Ireland. Coleraine can be reached by Belfast and Londonderry by train.
The races take in the wonderful sights and greenery of the Irish countryside as well as running very close to the unique basalt sculptures of the Giant’s Causeway. In total, organisers had over 1,000 entrants for all races last year with 390 in the Half Marathon alone.
What kind of terrain?
All races are entirely trail races and offer a challenge in all the different categories as the coastline around the Giant’s Causeway is very rocky and unyielding to anyone who comes unprepared.
How much will it cost?
Entry for the Ultra Marathon is £60, the Marathon is £50, the Coast Challenge Walk is £45 and the Half Marathon and 10K run are priced at £40 and £25. If you register before 1st August then you are entitled to a £5 discount on each event except the Challenge Walk and 10K race.
Organisers encourage participants and spectators to get in touch with Moyle Council and Coleraine Borough Council for a list of accommodation venues and it is recommended that you quote that you are staying for the Causeway Coast Marathon when booking. These can range from humble B&B’s and pubs to hotels, camping or caravans. Northern Ireland can be reached by plane from anywhere in the UK or reached by ferry from the west coasts of England and Scotland.
What’s the course record?
Last year’s Ultra Marathon winner Stanley Topalian ran the 60km distance in a time of 5:41:32, the fastest woman was Joanne Curran who did hers in 6:34:59. In the Marathon Chris Denton was fastest with a time of 3:29:29, Mark McKinstry was fastest in the Half Marathon with 1:26:51 and Andrew MacLaine was quickest in the 10K with a time of 40:33.
Any other information for me?
If you register after the 1st September then you are charged with a £5 late fee on all events with the exception of the 10K and Challenge Walk. Entries open from 1st November 2014.
