SPAR Omagh Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The SPAR Omagh Half Marathon is one of Northern Ireland's largest half marathons, held each spring in Omagh, County Tyrone. Founded in 1989 by members of Omagh Harriers, the race has grown from a local club event into a 36th-edition fixture in 2026 that drew close to 5,000 runners between the half marathon and its companion 5K. SPAR NI has served as title sponsor for more than 16 consecutive years, supporting the event alongside more than 200 race-day volunteers and a ten-person organizing committee. The course starts and finishes at Omagh Leisure Complex on Old Mountfield Road, following an undulating route through the town and surrounding countryside, with notable climbs near Arvalee around mile 4, past TC Autos around mile 8, and the well-known drag by Strathroy near mile 12, totaling roughly 150 meters of elevation gain. The half marathon offers run, walk, and wheelchair categories, while the 5K starts about 15 minutes after the half marathon. The 2026 edition, held Sunday, March 29, sold out entries for both distances. The next edition is expected in late March 2027, with entries traditionally opening online each October through the Sientries platform.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Omagh Leisure Complex - race start and finish, Old Mountfield Road
Arvalee - first significant climb, around mile 4
TC Autos - second climb, around mile 8
Strathroy - the well-known closing drag, around mile 12
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Omagh, County Tyrone, United Kingdom
GB
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Half marathon offered as run, walk, and self-propelled wheelchair categories
- Junior prize category for under-19s (18 or under on race day)
Required Documents
- Photo ID may be requested at race-number collection (estimated, standard practice for UK Athletics-affiliated road races; not explicitly confirmed on the official site)
Entry Methods
- Online via sientries.co.uk, linked from the official race website omaghhalfmarathon.run
- Entries have sold out in advance in recent years (2026 half marathon and 5K both sold out)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entries are non-transferable per the official 2026 registration terms on Sientries
Established in 1989 by members of Omagh Harriers running club; the wider Omagh road-race tradition traces back to a 10-mile race organized by Omagh Junior Chamber in 1981.
SPAR NI has been title sponsor for more than 16 consecutive years as of 2024.
The 2026 edition (Sunday, March 29) was the 36th running, supported by a 10-person organizing committee and over 200 race-day volunteers.
Course elevation gain has been reported at roughly 140-160 meters depending on the year, an undulating rather than flat route.
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.