participant instructions 2025

before race day

if you can no longer run

As per the race T&Cs we do not offer refunds or deferrals. However, you have the following 2 options: •If you purchased race insurance, you could claim your entry fee back via that providing you meet the criteria. Note that you must liaise with the insurance company directly; the race is not involved in this process •You could transfer your entry to a friend using the link on your registration dashboard or on the event website. You just need your registration number and the email of the person you are transferring to. Note this option closes on 31 July 2025 Changes to relay team members can be done via the team leaders’ dashboard until 31 July 2025. The team order can be changed at any time and does not need to be confirmed with the event team.

bib postage

Bibs will be posted to all UK and Ireland participants who entered before the 31 July 2025. These will be posted in batches from Monday 11 August, please expect your bib to arrive after this date. Please look after your race bib; duplicate bibs cannot be issued under any circumstances. Note that the timing chip is attached to the back of your bib, please do not bend, or fold your bib as this may damage the chip and prevent it from working. Your running bib is likely to be your only source of identification during the race. Make sure you fill in the medical information on the reverse; this could save your life in an emergency.

bib collection

The following participants must collect their bib:

- International entrants: those residing outside of UK and Ireland

- Lost bibs: anyone whose bib has failed to arrive in the post

Saturday 23 august

Bib collection will be available:

Sunday 24 august: race day

Bibs can be collected at the bib collection gazebo located at the entrance to the Start Hub on Bank Heads Lane.

Collection time: 08:00 - 10:15. Bib collection will close promptly at 10:15, please arrive early if you need to collect.

race day

The Start Hub is situated in Larne Town Parks, BT40 1DY

Note that there will be significant road closures around the start hub. Please plan to arrive in good time. All participants are encouraged to be in the Start Hub before 10:00.

GETTING THERE...

Road: A8 and A2 roads to Larne

Rail: Larne Town and Harbour stations are both close to race Start/ Finish Hubs (10-15min walk)

Bus: Larne Bus Station is 15min walk to Start

Air: Both George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International airport are approximately 30mins drive from Larne.

Note if you are travelling by public transport, it will be the weekend timetable, so services will be less frequent.

ROAD CLOSURES

Road closures will be in operation around the Start Hub and Finish Areas from 08:00. No parking will be available so please do not attempt to access these areas.

The town area road closures will be in full operation from 10:30. Diversions will be in place. We encourage all participants to be in the Start Hub before 10:00. The town area will have a rolling road closure, opening behind the last runner. The A2 Coast Road is expected to fully reopen no later than 14:30.

EVENT SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

A shuttle bus service will operate between Belfast and Larne on race day. This must be pre-booked online, and all users will be required to show their booking confirmation email before getting on.

Departing: 8 Nelson Street, Belfast, BT15 1BH (opposite side of road to Student Roost)

Departure time: 08:15 sharp

Return shuttle: 15:00 from Pavilion, Tower Road, BT40 1AB (beside Larne Leisure Centre)

PARKING

All participants are encouraged to be in the Start Hub no later than 10:00. Please allow 20minutes to walk from the car parking areas to the Start Hub. Do not attempt to drive to the Start Hub; there is no parking available, and the surrounding roads will be subject to road closures.

Any assisted runners should contact the race directly to get information regarding their parking area.

There is no parking available for competitors at Larne Leisure Centre or on the roads surrounding the Start and Finish Hubs located in Larne Town Parks and Sandy Bay Playing Fields respectively. These are subject to road closures and will not be accessible.

All coach parties planning to park should use Caterpillar car park in Zone 1.

We ask that all competitors be respectful of the residential areas on the race route and take care not to block access to anyone’s property.

We expect parking to be limited on race day and advise that where possible participants car share.

VIEW CAR PARKING

ACCESS TO THE START HUB

Participants only will have access to the Start Hub in Larne Town Parks. Any participant who requires to collect their bib must first proceed to the bib collection gazebo on Bank Heads Lane. You will need your bib to gain access to the Start Hub. Supporters and spectators will not have access to Larne Town Parks until after the race has started at 11:00.

For downloadable directions from carpark zones 1-6 please see the car parking tab.

bag drop

Bag drop facilities will be available inside the Start Hub: 09:00-10:15

Please leave any bags in the Bag Drop as early as possible; the Bag Drop will close promptly at 10:15
We ask that you only leave a small bag within the bag drop and advise that no valuables should be left; although we do our best to ensure your bag is waiting for you at the end of the race, we are not responsible for any lost bags or items
Staff will only accept bags that have the tear off slip from your race bib securely fastened on to identify your belongings.
Please ensure your baggage is closed to prevent items falling out and getting lost
Once you have deposited your bag, please move from the area to avoid congestion
Once deposited you will be unable to retrieve your bag until after you finish therefore, please ensure you have all you require before depositing your bag
Note that you will be required to show your bib to collect your bag
This is a static bag drop, and you will be required to return to Larne Town Parks to collect. Please use the entrance to Larne Town Parks from Promenade (~800m from Finish Hub)
Bag Drop closes 15:00. Please ensure your items are collected before this time

Some runners wear old clothes or bin liners to keep warm before the start. If you discard these items, please do so carefully so as not to hinder runners behind you. Bin liners can be slippery when wet! Volunteers will collect any discarded clothing items for recycling.

bib

Please attach your running bib securely to the front of your t-shirt or vest where it can be clearly seen. This also has your timing chip attached to the back: no bib, no chip, no time.

You must not race using someone else’s bib nor let someone else use yours. Number swopping is strictly prohibited for several reasons, the most important being health & safety. Anyone found to be running using someone else’s bib will be disqualified.

view course

The course has been changed this year to improve accessibility. The animated route map and AI powered route map can be viewed via route map here.

The AI powered route map is designed to enhance race preparation for runners. The platform utilises Google Maps and Google Cloud to provide personalised guidance, including interactive 3D course previews, weather updates and recommendations for hotels and local experiences.

course amenities

toilets

Do NOT use resident's gardens as a bathroom - anyone caught doing so will have their bib number recorded and they will be disqualified from the race.

water stations

Water stations will be situated at the following areas:

Broadway, Main Street ~5Km
Drains Bay, Coast Road, ~10Km
Carnfunnock Bay, ~15Km

Boost Energy Drinks will also be available at Water Station 3 and at the Finish Hub. If you take a water bottle on the course, please empty it, and throw it to the side of the road when discarding so as not to endanger other runners, and to facilitate the clean up after the race. Please also place any gel wrappers at the side of the road.

dropouts

If you need to drop out, then please make your way to the nearest marshal or St John Ambulance member and let them know. They will ensure that your details are passed on to the Race Hub. You can await the sweeper bus or if you are feeling well, make your own way to the finish area.

cut-off time

The cut off time for completing the race is 3hours. This is determined by the road closure permit. Anyone who reaches Drain’s Bay (halfway) after 2 hours will be advised that they are not going to finish in time and to step off the course. Anyone still on the course once the roads reopen will be advised to use the footpath. Please follow the instructions of the marshals; they are there for your safety.

course timings and kilometre markers

As preferred by World Athletics, Antrim Coast Half Marathon will have Km markers rather than mile markers on the course. Timing mats will capture split times at 5Km, 10Km, 15Km and 20Km. The race results will be available on the website immediately following the race.

pacers

Official race pacers are available for the following times:

Sub 1hr 30
Sub 1hr 45
Sub 2hrs
Sub 2hrs 15
Sub 2hrs 30

They will be in the appropriate starting pen and identifiable by a flag and/or official race pacer t-shirt (neon pink) that they will be wearing. Please make yourself known to your pacers and follow their instructions when in the start hub to ensure that you are with them and in the correct starting area on time.

assisted runners

Our course has an enhanced accessible toilet, to Changing Places standard, at both the start and end of the course. This is an extra-large bathroom with hoisting equipment, an adult sized changing bench and space for several personal assistants. Individual parking arrangements are also made for assisted wheelchair participants arriving in wheelchair accessible vehicles. Please contact the race directly for detailed information.

start hub

The Start Hub is in Larne Town Parks, Larne, BT40 1DY.

Inside the Start Hub there will be toilets, entertainment, coffee vendor, and the start pen that you must gather in before the race. There is a warmup area within Larne Town Parks, and you may also access the Promenade to warm up there.

Note that you will be required to show your race bib to gain access to the Start Hub; supporters and spectators will not be permitted entry.

Entry to the Start Hub is via Bank Heads Lane, Promenade and Larne Town Parks north entrance. Entry to the Start Hub is not available via the main gates.

race pends & start

All participants need to be in their correct race pen at the start no later than 10:30 when the elite athletes will move to the front of the race and broadcast coverage will begin.

There are record numbers of participants, so please be in your pen on time to allow the race to start as scheduled.

There are toilet facilities in the Start Hub and at the exit from the Start Hub onto the start area. Do not use resident’s gardens as a bathroom- anyone caught doing so will have their bib number recorded and they will be disqualified from the race.

The entrance to each race pen will be numbered and signed with an estimated finish time as per below:

Please enter the pen that correlates with your predicted finish time. Do not be tempted to enter a faster pen as this may cause congestion on the course and slow everyone down.

Everyone should be in their appropriate race pen no later than 10:30. Please follow marshal instructions.

Note that you can only join your start pen in the Start Hub and should not attempt to reach the start by any other way. Late comers will not be allowed to start the race. The start line will shut promptly 10mins after the start gun sounds.

Marshals will direct you, please listen and adhere to any instructions.

RELAY TEAMS

Relay runners who are running the first leg of the relay should enter the start pen in Larne Town Parks that correlates with the predicted finish time of your relay team. Relay runners who are completing the second leg of the relay should gather at the signed “Relay 2” area in the Start Hub. You will be led out to your handover area by a Marshal at 10:30. The first change over area is situated in the layby ~400m from the start line and approximately 7Km on the course. There will be toilets in this area. Relay runners who are completing leg 3 should also gather at the signed “Relay 3” area in the Start Hub. You will exit the start hub at 10:15 to join the bus signed “Relay” to be transported to the handover area in Ballygally (~13.5Km on the course). Please do not arrive late for this bus; it must leave on time. Note that the bus will stay in Ballygally to collect the relay runners who finish leg 2 to transport them back to the Race Hub. There will be toilets and entertainment in Ballygally.

The relay runners who complete the third and final leg will collect medals and t-shirts for their entire team.

FIRST AID

St John Ambulance are providing medical cover on the day and there will be an ambulance, paramedics and many first aiders around and roaming the course.

Should you or a fellow runner require assistance please let the nearest first aider or marshal know who will ensure help is on its way. Please do not phone 999 except in a medical emergency.

HEALTHY AND SAFETY

In line with UK Athletics Rules the wearing of headphones is not permitted (bone conductor headsets are permitted). Participation accompanied by a dog is not permitted, nor are runners allowed to compete pushing buggies or prams.

There are assisted runners taking part in the race. Please listen out for their instructions, they will shout if they are moving past and give them the space they require.

LITTER

We our very proud of our beautiful Antrim Coast Road. We therefore ask that you dispose of any litter carefully during the race. If you cannot find a litter bin, please drop any rubbish at the side of the road where it can be easily cleaned up after the race. Please do not throw rubbish into gardens or over the coastal wall into the sea or onto the beaches.

THE FINISH

Once you have crossed the finish line, you must keep moving to make space for runners behind you. You are not permitted to wait for friends at the finish area nor are supporters permitted into this area. Please arrange to meet fellow runners and supporters within Sandy Bay. If you feel unwell, please alert a marshal and/ or find a member of our St John Ambulance Team immediately. You will receive your medal on Chaine Memorial Road and be directed towards the Finish Hub in Sandy Bay. Once in Sandy Bay Playing Fields you will receive water and your finishers t-shirt. Note that your T-shirt size is printed on your bib. Please do not ask for additional t-shirts/ alternative sized t-shirts as this will be refused. You may then proceed on into Sandy Bay to meet your supporters. The relay runners who complete the third and final leg will collect medals and t-shirts for their entire team.

THE FINISH HUB: chaine fest

To help you and your supporters celebrate your participation in Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon there will be live music, food and drink vendors to help you recover and celebrate in the Finish Hub. There is also bar for those wishing to wash down their run with a pint.

Pre-race entertainment will be provided by Downshire Brass and the Cullybackey Pipe Band.

Entertainment on the course will include Paul Sexton on Larne Main Street, DJ Mark Dobbin at Drains Bay, the Martello Jazz Band at Ballygally, and Cullybackey Pipe Band on the Promenade, heralding your sprint to the finish line.

Post-race entertainment will be provided by the Rock Choir Northern Ireland, Paul Sexton, The Castaways and DJ Mark Dobbin.

All spectators, runners, friends, and family are very welcome to join in what promises to be an amazing day!

medical advice

The following simple advice on how to look after your body will help you to have a safe and healthy race. Make it your priority to be informed.

medical problems

Discuss any medical problems with your GP. This advice supplements anything he or she says. See your GP if you have a problem that makes it a risk to run a half marathon.

fit to complete

Running is good for the heart, however, there have been several fatalities from serious heart disease in runners apparently unaware that they had a problem. Their condition could have been detected if they had had medical advice and the relevant heart tests. A ‘fitness test’ is not sufficient to detect these problems. If you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or have a high risk from high cholesterol or high blood pressure, but particularly if you have symptoms of heart disease – such as chest pain or discomfort on exertion, sudden shortness of breath or rapid palpitations – see your GP who can arrange for you to have a proper cardiac assessment. Such an assessment may not be instantly available but continuing to run with these symptoms may shorten your running career catastrophically! If you feel unwell, please alert a marshal and/ or find a member of our St John Ambulance Team immediately. You will receive your medal on Chaine Memorial Road and be directed towards the Finish Hub in Sandy Bay. Once in Sandy Bay Playing Fields you will receive water and your finishers t-shirt. Note that your T-shirt size is printed on your bib. Please do not ask for additional t-shirts/ alternative sized t-shirts as this will be refused. You may then proceed on into Sandy Bay to meet your supporters. The relay runners who complete the third and final leg will collect medals and t-shirts for their entire team.

drinking safely

Drinking too little on the run can lead to problems, as you need to replace some of the fluid you lose as you sweat. Drinking too much can be very dangerous and lead to hyponatraemia (water intoxication), fits and even death.

Drink when you feel the need and do not gulp large volumes of fluids before, during or after the race. Your needs vary with your build, your speed and above all the weather.

feeling unwell?

Do not run if you feel unwell or have just been unwell. Most medical emergencies occur in people who have been unwell but do not wish to miss the event. If you feel feverish, have been vomiting, have had severe diarrhoea or any chest pains, or otherwise feel unwell, it is unfair to you and your family to risk serious illness and become a medical emergency. You are unlikely to do yourself justice. There will be many other races.

on the day

Please check the forecast and wear appropriate clothes for the weather when you’re racing. Although the average temperature for Antrim Coast Half Marathon is 15°C it has experienced both very hot and very cold weather. On a cold, wet day you can become very cold if you reduce your running pace or walk. A hat and gloves will prevent heat loss and are easily carried.

If it is hot, wear loose clothing, start slowly and, if possible, run in the shade. Please don’t wear multiple layers and don’t try to attempt a personal best. Use shoes you know from experience will not give you blisters.

Ask Race Concierge AI on the website for a weather update the week before the race.

at the finish

During any prolonged physical activity, blood vessels dilate to ensure an adequate blood supply to the muscles. Once the activity is over it is important to cool down as stopping suddenly can result in your blood pressure dropping and you experiencing nausea, dizziness and weakness. Once you have crossed the finish line keep walking, especially if you feel dizzy, and drink to replace lost liquid. The Finish Hub is ~250m from the finish line and the walk will help you cool down safely. Do not sit down in the finish area. Get your kit and change into warm, dry clothing. Keep on drinking slowly and have something to eat. Some runners feel faint more than half an hour after finishing a race, often because they have taken insufficient fluid and/or not eaten anything. Again, do not drink excessively. If you feel unwell ask one of our medical personnel for assistance.

age category prize winners

Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon are delighted to partner once again with Running at 40+ who are sponsoring the age category prizes.

Age category prize winners will be announced and presented with their award by European Champion, 5x Olympian and R40+ ambassador Jo Pavey at 14:15 on the stage in the Finish Hub.

race photos

Once again the event will be supported by Marathon Photos who are using a new livebox sysytem. This uploads photographs as soon as they are taken meaning that family and friends can view them online whilst you are still running, and that your photographs will be available just moments after you have crossed the finish line!

The link will be emailed to all participants before race day.

british heart foundation

Would you know what to do if someone's heart stopped? Be ready or that day.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon has teamed up with British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland (BHF NI) to encourage more people to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR through the charity’s free, step by step online CPR training tool, RevivR.

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time – at home, work, or out in public. There are over 1400 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in Northern Ireland and tragically, less than one in ten people survive.

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation can reduce the chances of survival by up to 10 per cent. But the effective use of CPR and a defibrillator can more than double the chances of survival in some cases. RevivR takes just 15 minutes to complete and could help save a life. All you need is your mobile phone and a cushion.

Scan the QR code or click here to complete RevivR now.

antrim coast half marathon would like to say a huge thank you to our partners who make this event possible: