The Causeway Coast Half Marathon unfolds across rugged Northern Ireland terrain, starting and finishing in Coleraine, a town braced by the Atlantic’s restless energy. The 13.1-mile challenge carves a route that is neither purely urban nor entirely wilderness—but a fierce marriage of both, where the land lunges upward in rolling hills and dives downward onto craggy coastal edges. Prepare for approximately 700 feet of elevation gain, a series of brisk climbs, and swift descents across paved roads and compact trail segments, with occasional uneven patches that demand steady footing.

From the starting line, the course weaves into the outskirts of Coleraine before breaking out towards the Wild Atlantic, where cliffs dare you to look down long stretches of frothing waves. Trees crowd parts of the route, their branches conspiring with the coastal wind, pushing runners forward. Here, the air brims with salt and the faint sound of seabirds flying overhead is punctuated by the unyielding pulse of pounding feet.

This race is framed by the Causeway Coast’s raw personality—forceful, unpolished, yet welcoming. Unlike conventional flat, crowd-pleaser half marathons, this course challenges endurance and respect for the terrain. The hills come fast and hard, uncompromising as the ocean breeze that drives you onward. Laughter, grunts, and the steady rhythm of breath build a camaraderie along the way but so does careful pacing, hydration, and mental grit.

Standing out are several vantage points where the landscape opens dramatically—especially near the 7-mile mark where panoramic views of the Bann Estuary sweep wide below, reflecting the sky’s moods. These moments brief the runner with awe but do not invite loitering. The course demands focus alongside appreciation.

Planning is straightforward but essential: wear shoes with good support due to mixed surfaces, keep hydrated since the coastal winds mask dehydration, and time your race for early autumn when weather holds a steady, cool balance. Avoid late afternoon starts that pit you against fading light and fatigue.

For those with less racing zeal, parts of the course lend themselves to post-race walks or sightseeing detours in Coleraine’s historic town center or along the nearby promenade. Stunning but serious, this half marathon is an engaging interaction with a fiercely individual coastline—a landscape alive, challenging, and deeply rewarding for those prepared to meet it head-on.