Half on the Head

Half on the Head 2025 Course Analysis

Half on the Head is a half marathon held in Ballyheigue, Ireland, scheduled for Saturday 14 June 2025. The course is run on road surface with 222m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 144m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Half on the Head website.

Elevation Profile

With 222m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 6m to 144m above sea level (138m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for June, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 10°C to 16°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a high chance of rain (87%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.

Surface Type: Road

Half on the Head is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is Half on the Head?

Our difficulty rating for Half on the Head is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based half marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Half on the Head against other half marathons to find the right race for your goals.