7k Run Portballintrae: Coastal Adventure at Runkerry Head

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.5km loop offers an invigorating coastal escape starting from the Salmon Rock Beach car park in Portballintrae. Runners will tackle a mix of paved paths and rugged coastal trails as they follow the Causeway Coast Way out toward the dramatic cliffs of Runkerry Head. With 61 meters of ascent, the route features several punchy, rolling hills that provide a great aerobic workout while offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The journey concludes with a flat, fast finish alongside the historic Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway, making it a perfect loop for those who love seaside air and varied terrain.

Steeped in North Coast charm, Portballintrae is a historic fishing village that serves as a gateway to Northern Ireland’s most iconic geological wonders. As you run past Runkerry House, a 19th-century manor overlooking the sea, you are traversing a landscape rich with folklore and maritime history. This area is famously near the Giant’s Causeway, and the railway line you follow on the return leg has been carrying visitors across these basalt-rich lands since the 1880s. Keep an eye out for local surfers at Blackrock and the occasional glimpse of the Scottish coastline on clear days.