Challenge 21 Half Marathon 2026

Walk, jog or run 21km on June 14th 2026 to support Down Syndrome Centre Cork. Join the Challenge 21 community event!

🌟 Challenge 21 is Back for 2026!

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. Most babies inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21.

Early intervention services are critical in helping children with Down syndrome reach their full potential. Providing these services at a heavily subsidised rate is what Down Syndrome Centre Cork is all about.

We are delighted in 2026 to have our Charity Ambassador Cork native & Swansea and Ireland Footlballer Adam Idah's support to the Down Syndrome Centre Cork remotly. Stay tuned for social media updates,

Prices.

🔹 Sponsored Ticket (€21)

We ask participants choosing this option to aim to raise €21 from 21 people before completing the 21km.

Of course, we are grateful for any funds raised — but having a goal helps!

If you collect at least 3 × €21 sponsors, you will be entered into a raffle draw with fantastic prizes, including Aer Lingus Flights for Two People from Cork to any European Destination and so much more.

🔹 Un-sponsored Ticket (€40 Early Bird / €50 Standard)

We are delighted to welcome more amateur runners each year. However, the €21 registration fee does not cover the cost of delivering such a high-quality event.

💛 Why 21?For those who would prefer not to fundraise, this ticket allows you to participate while helping us cover event costs.

Every participant will receive:

• A professionally timed event
• Entertainment and atmosphere at the start and finish lines
• Bag drop facility
• 5 water & snack stations along the route
• Full stewarding & signage
• A medal
• A goodie bag
• High-quality event photography
• Access to our finish line celebration party

All Registrations for Challenge 21 completed by March 31st 2026, will be entered into a draw to win a Voucher for Dinner for Two, at the Beuatiful River Lee Hotel in Cork City.

🎟️ Ticket OptionsAll this — along with the unbridled joy that comes from supporting a small charity making a huge impact in Cork.

📅 Sunday, 14th June 2026
📍 Haulbowline to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
📏 21 kilometres — Walk, jog or run

🎉 What to ExpectGet out, get fit and help us support children with Down syndrome in Cork.

Walk, jog or run 21km in support of Down Syndrome Centre Cork.

Established in 2022, Challenge 21 was created to support the vital work of Down Syndrome Centre Cork — a small charity providing essential services to over 180 children with Down syndrome and their families across the greater Cork region.

🏃 Event DetailsSince its launch, this hugely successful event has welcomed up to 300 participants each year. We are proud to have built a reputation for delivering a professional, safe, inclusive and fun event — and we would love you to join us in 2026.