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PHOTOS Over 20,000 participants take part in 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run

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2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run – Jake O’Regan, overall winner of the 2026 Marathon pictured above

The 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run smashed through the 20,000-participant barrier for the first time ever in its 17th year

2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run - Dee Collins
Dee Collins, female winner of the 2026 Marathon

History was made on the streets of Limerick today as the 17th Regeneron Great Limerick Run smashed through the 20,000-participant barrier for the first time ever — a landmark moment in the event’s 17-year journey. From elite marathon runners to first-time 6-mile walkers, the spirit of achievement was palpable as finishers crossed the iconic O’Connell Street finish line. The city pulsed with energy, as more than 55,000 spectators lined the route, cheering friends, family, and strangers alike in a true celebration of community and triumph. This year’s participants are forecasted to raise over €350,000 for a wide range of local and national charities — a powerful testament to the collective generosity and determination of all involved.

The winner of the marathon was Jake O’Regan from Kilkee, who posted a time of two hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds


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The first Limerick athlete passed the finishing track was John Kinsella, who lives near Murroe, who finished third. His finish time was two hours, 26 minutes and 41 seconds

The first woman who passed the finishing track was Dee Collins from Clare

Speaking at the finish line, Race Director Sliabh Wells said, “Today’s event was a truly historic celebration of everything that makes Limerick such a special place. Surpassing 20,000 participants for the first time is a milestone we will never forget, and a moment that has been built on years of hard work, commitment, and community support. I want to sincerely thank all our participants, volunteers, staff, suppliers, gardaí, medical teams, entertainers, sponsors, partners, and of course the people of Limerick for their unwavering support. The Regeneron Great Limerick Run continues to grow year after year, and breaking the 20,000 barriers today reflects the spirit, dedication, and passion of everyone involved. It’s been an unforgettable day and one we can all be immensely proud of.”

Niall O’Leary, Senior Vice President and Site Head at Regeneron Ireland, said, “Twenty thousand participants on the streets of Limerick is a special moment and the whole city should be proud! For Regeneron, being part of this event is genuinely important to us. We have been in Limerick for over a decade, and the 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run reflects something we see in this community every day: people showing up for each other. Whether this is your first race or your tenth, whether you ran, walked, volunteered or cheered from the side of the road, you are part of something that matters well beyond the finish line. A sincere thanks to the organisers, the volunteers, and everyone who made today possible. We are proud to support this event, and proud to be part of Limerick.”

As the curtain falls on another memorable Regeneron Great Limerick Run, we celebrate not just the physical achievements, but the incredible community spirit that makes this event truly special. Surpassing 20,000 participants is a milestone that belongs to every runner, walker, volunteer, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Limerick once again proved itself as a world-class host, and we already look forward to next year’s event, which will take place on Sunday 2nd May 2027.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.