Dublin Marathon

The Dublin Marathon: A Race in Full Swing!

With a Halloween festive feel, the Dublin Marathon attracts no fewer than 20,000 participants each year! Since 2013, the year this race gained momentum, more than 60 different nationalities have competed in the streets of Ireland’s capital. Initiated by the authorities at the request of athlete Noël Caroll in 1980, the race experienced several inactive years due to the withdrawal of sponsors. However, the event was far from over and showcased its resilience—and so did its runners! With the surge in marathon race entries across Europe following the COVID-19 pandemic, this event quickly sold out. A lottery system was even introduced to secure a spot at the starting line.

This marathon owes much of its popularity to its route! The course loops around the city, passing by its most iconic locations. Participants discover, kilometer by kilometer, the history of Dublin, founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago. The circuit is akin to the best tourist tours: Trinity College (boasting one of the most beautiful libraries in the world), O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, the Liffey, Chapelizod Bridge, Southwest Dublin, Dodder River, the campus of Dublin University, the Grand Canal, and finally finishing in front of Merrion Square Park and the statue of Oscar Wilde… There’s no shortage of sights to enjoy! Despite the many landmarks visible along the route, it remains manageable. The Dublin Marathon is even reputed to be easy, with gentle hills, and the lush landscapes of the Irish countryside are sure to reinvigorate the runners!

This marathon also enjoys its great reputation thanks to an exceptional atmosphere! As the fourth-largest marathon in Europe, the Dublin Marathon has a high standard to meet for its runners… and meets it so well that it’s ranked among the world’s top marathons outside of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors! Ideal race conditions—perfect temperature, enthusiastic supporters, and precise organization—combine to create a fantastic experience for any marathoner.

Additionally, the event collaborates with numerous local charities to raise funds. Participants have the option to start a fundraising campaign, supporting their chosen charity and running in its colors. A race with both a big heart and growing popularity!