spectator guidelines

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon showcases athletic achievement, natural beauty, and the pursuit of excellence. The ACHM team is committed to providing a high-quality experience for all involved. Spectators play an important role in supporting not only the participants, but also volunteers, event staff, and fellow onlookers. We would like to extend our thanks to the communities of Larne, Drains Bay, and Ballygally for graciously hosting the event each year, and we value the spectators’ efforts to treat everyone along the route with dignity, respect, and consideration.

Spectators are not allowed on the course, to run alongside athletes or impede athletes in any manner. Any person on the course without a race bib or official accreditation will be directed to leave the course immediately.

Bicycles, prams, buggies and other unauthorised vehicles are not permitted on the course
Spectators are prohibited from throwing any items on the course
Spectators are asked to refrain from using discriminatory or offensive language or obscene gestures
Spectators are expected to refrain from verbal and physical harassment of participants, race staff, volunteers and other spectators
Spectators are asked to not interfere with race operations such as impeding access to water stations
Spectators are asked not to leave any litter along the course. If there are no litter bins, please take all rubbish with you
Spectators are asked to respect their surroundings as well as residents and their properties along the race route
The use of drones anywhere, including above the course, is prohibited

where to watch

Antrim Coast Half Marathon is largely an out and back course and so presents spectators in some areas with the opportunity of seeing runners twice.

Recommended viewing areas:

victoria road/main street

Watch the runners set off along Victoria Road then enjoy live music from local act Paul Sexton at Broadway, as the race reaches the 5Km marker on Main Street. Parking in Larne Town will be very limited. We therefore recommend that spectators travel via the Translink train service; the first train from Belfast to Larne will get you into Larne Train Station at 10:46, a short 5mins walk to Main Street and perfect timing for the race start. Parking is available in Laharna Retail Park off Circular Road.

Note that parking is restricted to 3hours maximum stay. Duration of stay is calculated by the ANPR cameras from the point of entry to the point of exit. Public toilets are available on Narrow Gauge Road and local cafes are expected to be open. Roads in the town area will be subject to road closures from 08:00 with the town largely closed to traffic from 10:45. The town roads will reopen behind the last runner.

ballygally

The turning point as the race circles the village and heads back towards Larne. Back by popular demand are Martello Jazz Band who will play beside Ballygally Spar shop. Public toilets are available and there is also a play park for younger spectators- please take care if crossing the road not to impede any runners. Parking is available in Ballygally village centre and the surrounding streets. Please ensure that you do not block residents access to and from their homes. The roads around the village are subject to road closures and so early arrival is essential, please plan to arrive before 10:30. Roads will reopen behind the last runner.

finish

The finish this year is on Chaine Memorial Road close to the Chaine Memorial Tower, and viewing is also recommended along the Promenade. Next door to the finish in Sandy Bay we have Chaine Fest: music along with food and drink vendors to entertain you as you wait for the runners to return. Music will come from Rock Choir Northern Ireland, Paul Sexton, The Castaways and DJ Mark Dobbin. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations! Parking in Larne Town will be very limited. We therefore recommend that spectators travel via the Translink train service; the first train from Belfast to Larne will get you into Larne Train Station at 10:46, a short 10mins walk to the Finish Hub and perfect timing to watch the race start on your way. Car parking is within 1mile of the Finish Hub. Road restrictions will be in place in some areas of the town area from 08:00, and the town will be largely closed to traffic for the race from 10:45, reopening behind the last runner.

For more Translink train info please use link below:

Timetables