About the race
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is a road marathon through Ireland's capital, held on the last Sunday in October. Before 2016 it took place on the last Monday of the month, which is a public holiday in Ireland.
History
A group led by Noel Carroll founded the race in 1980 after persuading the Business Houses Athletic Association to back the idea. In that first year 2,100 people started and 1,420 finished, with Dick Hooper winning in 2:16:14. The race has been held every year since, and the organiser's 2026 branding celebrates 45 years of the event. A record 22,500 runners registered for the 2019 race, including more than 5,000 from outside Ireland. The current men's course record of 2:08:06 was set by Othmane El Goumri in 2019, and the overall winner receives the Noel Carroll Memorial Trophy.
The course
The route is generally fairly flat. It starts at Fitzwilliam Square in the city centre and finishes at Merrion Square. The exact routing varies from year to year, but in recent years the race has run anti-clockwise around the city, taking in the Phoenix Park before heading towards the southside suburbs. The organiser publishes a course and start and finish page, and road closures are listed on its site.
Distances
The marathon is the full 42.195 km. It forms part of a race series that also includes a 5 mile race, the Fingal 10K, the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Dublin Half Marathon.
The 2026 race and entry
The 2026 race is set for Sunday 25 October, with the start at 08:45. All registered runners were told their wave by email on 2 October. The organiser's menu includes a "Key Dates and Entry Information 2027" page, an FAQ, a transfer window, and refund and transfer rules, so look there for entry windows and time limits.
Where to watch
The Expo is the hub for race number collection on the weekend. On race day the finish area around Merrion Square is the natural meeting point, and the organiser publishes a digital programme and a guide to marathon weekend for planning other spots.
Weather
Late October in Dublin is autumn weather. It is usually cool, often damp or breezy, with changeable skies, so spectators should wear warm and waterproof clothing.
SourcesIrish Life Dublin Marathon · Wikipedia: Dublin Marathon