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Dublin Marathon

DublinIreland

Next race

Sunday, 25 October 2026

8:45 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Hilly · 208 m gain

208 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Dublin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 20k finishers on an urban road in Dublin, Ireland. The course starts on Leeson Street Lower near St Stephen's Green and finishes on Mount Street Upper by the Pepper Canister Church. The route passes the Liberties, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, Terenure, Clonskeagh, and Merrion Road. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on Liffey bridge crossings.

Dublin Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 20k finishers

Weather

Cool and damp

8–12°C · humidity 80–85%

Marathon weather guide →

Course records
Men: 2:06:52 — Kemal Husen (2023)Women: 2:24:13 — Asmarech Nega (2024)

Course & terrain

Dublin Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Dublin Marathon is a city loop that starts on Leeson Street Lower near St Stephen's Green and finishes on Mount Street Upper by the Pepper Canister Church, passing the Liberties, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, Terenure, Clonskeagh (Irish Heartbreak Hill), and Merrion Road. Gentle bridge undulations are the main terrain change, and the biggest support comes on the quays, through Temple Bar, around Phoenix Park, and in the grandstand finish on Mount Street.

Dublin Marathon route map

Registration

Dublin Marathon entry requirements

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is held on the last Monday of October — the October Bank Holiday, which is a public holiday in Ireland. Entry is by ballot, typically opening in January or February with results announced a few months later. The field is approximately 20,000 runners, and the ballot is heavily oversubscribed; apply as early as possible when the window opens. The holiday timing is a key reason for the extraordinary crowd turnout — most Dubliners have the day off work.

Getting there

Dublin Marathon travel

Airports closest to Dublin for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Dublin Airport (DUB)

11 km / 7 mi

Race footage

Dublin Marathon videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Irish Life Dublin Marathon Dublin Introduction

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dublin Marathon elevation profile?
The Dublin Marathon has 208 metres of total climbing and 214 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly, with 6 metres of net descent from start to finish.
Where can I find the Dublin Marathon route map?
This page includes a Dublin Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Liberties, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, Terenure, Clonskeagh (Irish Heartbreak Hill), and Merrion Road.
How long is the Dublin Marathon?
The Dublin Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From Leeson Street Lower near St Stephen's Green to on Mount Street Upper by the Pepper Canister Church.
What time does the Dublin Marathon start?
The 2026 Dublin Marathon starts at 8:45 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
When is the Dublin Marathon and how do I enter?
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is held on the last Monday of October — the October Bank Holiday, which is a public holiday in Ireland. Entry is by ballot, typically opening in January or February with results announced a few months later. The field is approximately 20,000 runners, and the ballot is heavily oversubscribed; apply as early as possible when the window opens. The holiday timing is a key reason for the extraordinary crowd turnout — most Dubliners have the day off work.
What is the Dublin Marathon course route?
The course starts and finishes in the city centre near Merrion Street, looping west through Dublin's inner suburbs and Phoenix Park — one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe, larger than New York's Central Park — where several miles run on smooth park roads. The route also passes through the Liberties, Rathgar, Milltown, and Rathmines before returning to the city centre finish on Merrion Street, where grandstands create a genuine stadium atmosphere.
Is the Dublin Marathon a flat course?
Dublin Marathon is one of the flatter European city marathons. The course is mostly flat to gently rolling — Phoenix Park has a modest slope, and the south Dublin suburban sections have mild undulations — but there are no significant hills. Total elevation gain is under 100 metres. The smooth roads and predictable terrain make it a realistic personal-best course, and many international runners specifically target Dublin for this reason.
What is the crowd atmosphere like at Dublin Marathon?
Dublin Marathon has a legendary atmosphere driven by the October Bank Holiday — with most Dubliners having the day off, the city turns out in enormous numbers. Irish sports crowds are naturally loud and encouraging, and the marathon's 40-year history means entire families have multi-generational memories of watching or running it. Pubs along the route set up outdoor spectating areas and the craic (Irish atmosphere of fun and good cheer) is in full supply across all 26.2 miles.
What are the cut-off times and inclusivity at Dublin Marathon?
Dublin Marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes, with sweeper vehicles behind the final runners. There is no minimum qualifying time — all ability levels from sub-3:00 elites to first-time walkers are welcome. Chip timing starts when each runner crosses the start mat, so the large field does not disadvantage slower starters. The race has strong charity representation and is fully accessible for wheelchair athletes, making it one of the most inclusive major marathons in Europe.

Official resources

Dublin Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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Planning guides

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