Galway, Ireland — May 2028
Masters athletes from across Europe compete on the wild Atlantic coast — nordic walking, road racing, cross country relays and race walking in one of Ireland's most iconic cities.
About the Championships
The European Masters Athletics Championships — Non-Stadia (EMACNS) brings together the best masters athletes aged 35 and over from across Europe for nordic walking, road racing, cross country relays and race walking.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way, expect world-class competition, Irish hospitality, and an unforgettable experience in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
Events will be centred round Galway city, with a social programme and the iconic EMACNS medal awaiting the top three!!
In Association With
Competition Programme
All disciplines are run by 5-year age group from M/W35 through to M/W85+. Full programme to be confirmed.
10km and Half Marathon on closed Galway city roads. Fast, flat, iconic.
Women's, men's and mixed cross country relays on natural terrain in Galway's green spaces.
10km and Half Marathon race walking on road courses in Galway city.
Nordic walking alongside the cross country in Galway's green spaces.
Where We Run
A city of culture, craic and coastline — Galway is Ireland's adventure capital on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Galway city — venue TBD. Close to hotels, restaurants and the famous Latin Quarter.
All event courses will meet EMA technical specifications. Full details to be confirmed.
Getting Here
Galway is easily reached from across Europe — by air, rail and road.
Ireland West Airport Knock → is the closest regional airport (1 hr). Dublin Airport → (2.5 hrs by bus/rail) has the widest choice of European connections. Shannon Airport → (1 hr) offers transatlantic routes.
Galway is approximately 2 hours from Dublin via the M6 motorway. Car hire is available at all major Irish airports.
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. EU citizens may use national ID cards. Non-EU athletes should check Irish Immigration → for visa requirements.
Galway city is compact and walkable. Taxis and local buses serve all race venues. Shuttle details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Where to Stay
Galway has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets — from 5-star hotels to guesthouses and hostels. Book early; the city is busy in summer.
Official partner hotels with preferred athlete rates will be announced as the event takes shape. Sign up for updates to be notified first.
Galway city centre has numerous 3–5 star hotels within walking distance of the race headquarters and main road race courses.
Galway is renowned for warm B&B hospitality. Many guesthouses are within 2–3km of the city centre.
For groups and families, self-catering apartments in Galway offer excellent value. Check Airbnb and Booking.com — and book well in advance.
The Governing Body
European Masters Athletics (EMA) is the governing body for masters athletics in Europe, affiliated to World Masters Athletics (WMA). EMACNS is EMA's championship for non-stadia disciplines — nordic walking, road racing, cross country relays and race walking.
The Championships are hosted on a rotating basis across European nations. Galway 2028 will be organised under EMA technical regulations.
Visit EMA →Questions & Answers
EMACNS Galway 2028 is the European Masters Athletics Championships Non-Stadia, held in Galway, Ireland in May 2028. It is a major international athletics competition for masters athletes aged 35 and over, featuring road racing, Nordic walking, cross country relays and race walking.
Any masters athlete aged 35 or over representing a European Masters Athletics affiliated nation is eligible to compete. Athletes compete in 5-year age groups from M35/W35 through to M85+/W85+.
EMACNS Galway 2028 includes road racing (10km and Half Marathon), Nordic walking, cross country relays (women's, men's and mixed), and race walking (10km and Half Marathon). All events are run by 5-year age group.
All events are centred around Galway city. Exact venues are to be confirmed as planning progresses. Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way, approximately 2 hours from Dublin.
Galway is accessible by air via Ireland West Airport Knock (1 hour), Dublin Airport (2.5 hours by bus or train) or Shannon Airport (1 hour). Direct trains run from Dublin Heuston to Galway in approximately 2.5 hours. The city is also 2 hours from Dublin by car via the M6 motorway.
Full athlete registration will open in 2027. Sign up to our Stay Informed list at the top of this page to be notified the moment registration opens.
We need plenty of local volunteers to help make EMACNS Galway 2028 a success. Visit the Volunteer section of this page to register your interest — we'll be in touch with more details as the event takes shape.
EMACNS Galway 2028 offers sponsorship opportunities at Title, Gold Partner and Community Supporter levels, with European-wide exposure across 20+ nations. Visit the Sponsors section of this page to register your interest and receive our prospectus.
Get Involved
We will need plenty of local volunteers to help with the success of EMACNS Galway 2028 — from registration and marshalling to results, athlete liaison and everything in between.
If you'd like to be part of what promises to be an incredible event for Galway, register your interest below and we'll be in touch with more details as the event takes shape.
Fill in our quick volunteer form — takes less than a minute.
Register as a Volunteer →Partner With Us
Galway 2028 offers your organisation exposure to an international audience across 20+ nations — association with sport, health, active lifestyles and a landmark European event.
Contact Ronan Gately to discuss sponsorship opportunities and receive our full prospectus.
Or register your interest online:
Register Sponsorship Interest →