Ireland · Road marathon · 42.195 km
Irish Life Dublin Marathon
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s road marathon shares its city course with the Irish national championships. The 2026 route starts on Leeson Street Lower, passes through the city centre and Phoenix Park, and finishes on Mount Street Upper. There are climbs among the flatter stretches, so a little restraint early on is useful. General entry is by ballot, with charity, qualifying-time and recognised tour-operator routes also available. The autumn race series offers shorter distances for runners building towards the full 26.2 miles.
AthRecs race guide · Updated
Upcoming dates
Planning your race weekend? These are the announced dates through 2027. Follow the organiser’s link for the latest date and race-day details. All dates and start times are local.
At a glance
- City / location
- Dublin
- County
- County Dublin
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres / 26.2 miles
- Surface
- Road
- Course profile
- A mixture of flat sections, climbs and descents.
- Approximate field
- About 18,500Finishers · 2025
Based on 18,508 marathon finishers in 2025, as reported by FindMyMarathon.
How to enter Irish Life Dublin Marathon
These are the organiser’s entry routes. Check the linked page for the edition, opening dates, eligibility, fees and current availability.
General ballot
The 2026 ballot is closed. The organiser says 2027 ballot details will be released later in the year.
Official entry informationCharity entry
Apply through the official charity programme and its partner charities; fundraising terms and availability apply.
Official entry informationGood For Age
A qualifying-time application route; 2026 applications are closed and meeting a standard does not guarantee entry.
Official entry informationRecognised tour operators
The organiser lists approved international operators offering 2026 entry and accommodation packages.
Official entry informationRoute and course
The 2026 route runs from Leeson Street Lower through central Dublin and Phoenix Park to Mount Street Upper.
Race-day planning
Check which edition each detail applies to before making your plans. Follow the linked instructions for the latest arrangements.
- 2026 start times
- Wheelchairs 08:40; running waves 08:45, 09:05, 09:25 and 09:45 local time. 2026 start times information
- 2026 course limit
- Seven hours from the final participant crossing the start line. 2026 course limit information
Past races and results
Official results archiveOpen the organiser’s results to find a runner, club or published category standing. At festivals with several distances, select the marathon results.
2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon
Full 2025 resultsThe 44th edition took place on 26 October. Athletics Ireland reports first national marathon titles for David McGlynn and Ava Crean. Separate official general, visually impaired and wheelchair result searches are available.
Overall men
Daniel Mesfin won in 2:08:51, as reported by Athletics Ireland.
View result detailsIrish national championship — men
David McGlynn took the national title; Ryan Creech and Paul O’Donnell completed the national podium.
View result detailsIrish national championship — women
Ava Crean won in 2:34:11; Ann-Marie McGlynn and Nichola Sheridan completed the national podium.
View result detailsWheelchair — MS
Sean Frame placed first overall and first in the published MS category, with a finish time of 1:48:28 (chip time 1:48:26).
View result detailsWheelchair — W40
Jayne Bleakley placed second overall and first in the published W40 category, with a finish time of 2:33:55 (chip time 2:33:00).
View result detailsWheelchair — M75
Jerry Forde placed third overall and first in the published M75 category, with a finish time of 6:46:17 (chip time 6:46:14).
View result detailsVI — M45
Ger Copeland placed first overall and first in the published M45 category in the VI results, with a finish and chip time of 2:58:23.
View result detailsVI — M35
Matthew Collins placed second overall and first in the published M35 category in the VI results, with a finish and chip time of 2:58:23.
View result detailsVI — W40
Sinead Kane placed third overall and first in the published W40 category in the VI results, with a finish time of 3:19:52 (chip time 3:19:51).
View result detailsVI — M40
Mark Young placed fifth overall and first in the published M40 category in the VI results, with a finish time of 4:36:25 (chip time 4:35:30).
View result detailsVI — W55
Cathy Mullan placed sixth overall and first in the published W55 category in the VI results, with a finish time of 6:17:02 (chip time 6:10:41).
View result detailsRace news, photos and video
Common questions
When is Irish Life Dublin Marathon?
Confirmed upcoming dates: 25 Oct 2026; 24 Oct 2027. Dates are local to the race.
How do I enter Irish Life Dublin Marathon?
General ballot: The 2026 ballot is closed. The organiser says 2027 ballot details will be released later in the year. Charity entry: Apply through the official charity programme and its partner charities; fundraising terms and availability apply. Good For Age: A qualifying-time application route; 2026 applications are closed and meeting a standard does not guarantee entry. Recognised tour operators: The organiser lists approved international operators offering 2026 entry and accommodation packages.
Where is Irish Life Dublin Marathon and how far is it?
Irish Life Dublin Marathon takes place in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland. This guide covers the 42.195 km full marathon (26.2 miles). Surface: Road
What is the Irish Life Dublin Marathon course like?
The 2026 route runs from Leeson Street Lower through central Dublin and Phoenix Park to Mount Street Upper. A mixture of flat sections, climbs and descents.
How big is the field at Irish Life Dublin Marathon?
The approximate field is About 18,500, based on Finishers for 2025. Based on 18,508 marathon finishers in 2025, as reported by FindMyMarathon. Entrants, starters and finishers are different measures.
Where can I find past Irish Life Dublin Marathon results?
The past races and results section links to the organiser’s results. Select the distance and edition for participant searches and published category standings.
Sources and race information
AthRecs is independent of the race organiser. This guide brings together the linked race information, results and reports. Source review: . Historical details are labelled by edition; current entry availability and final instructions remain with the organiser.
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