Dublin Marathon 2026

The Dublin Marathon is one of the great European city marathons. On Sunday, 25 October 2026, 25,000 runners take on 26.2 miles through the streets of Dublin from an 8:45am start.

What to expect

Runners set off in waves: wheelchair participants at 8:40am, then wave 1 at 8:45am, wave 2 at 9:05am, wave 3 at 9:25am and wave 4 at 9:45am. Staggering the start like this spreads 25,000 runners out along the route rather than sending everyone off in one crush, so your own start time depends on which wave you’re placed in when you enter. The course follows a similar route to previous years and stays open for seven hours from when the last runner crosses the start line, after which roads reopen to traffic. Non-competitors cannot enter the course or cross the finish line, but spectators can follow runners through the official app’s live tracker and the event’s social media channels, so you don’t need to be trackside the whole way round to know how someone’s getting on.

Getting there

The race starts on Leeson Street Lower and finishes on Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2, with roads along the route closed while the race is on, so it’s worth checking your own route into the city centre that morning if you’re not running.

While you’re in Dublin

Race day is a good excuse to make a weekend of the October bank holiday in Dublin, whether you’re running or spectating, with the city centre busy with runners and supporters from early morning. There is more to see across Co. Dublin.

Good to know

• Sunday 25 October 2026, wheelchair start 8:40am, wave 1 at 8:45am, waves 2 to 4 following at 9:05am, 9:25am and 9:45am

• Start: Leeson Street Lower. Finish: Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2

• Entry fee €110 plus a €5.50 handling charge

• Booking: via the Irish Life Dublin Marathon website

• Details from the Irish Life Dublin Marathon official FAQ, checked 14 September 2026