Irish Life Dublin Marathon

Irish Life Dublin Marathon Countdown

198

Days

22

Hrs

11

Min

10

Sec

Next Race

October 25, 2026

199

days to go

The Dublin Marathon has been held annually in October since 1980. The mostly flat, single-loop course passes through Phoenix Park and historic Georgian streets before finishing at Merrion Square in the city centre. With approximately 25,000 participants from over 60 countries, it holds a World Athletics Elite Label and is one of Europe's larger mass participation marathons.

WA Elite Label

Est.

1980

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

loop

Surface

road

Field Size

~25,000

When

October

THE COURSE

MI 0

KM 0

Fitzwilliam Street Start

The race begins on Fitzwilliam Street Upper, one of Dublin's Georgian streets, passing St Stephen's Green before heading towards the city centre and the River Liffey.

MI 4

KM 6

Phoenix Park

Europe's largest enclosed urban park, entered around the 6 km mark. Runners pass the Wellington Monument and the Aras an Uachtarain (President's residence) along Chesterfield Avenue.

MI 10

KM 16

Kilmainham Gaol

At roughly the 16 km mark, the route passes Kilmainham Gaol, the historic prison where leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. Strong crowd support in this area.

MI 13

KM 21

Halfway Point at Crumlin Road

After passing through Dolphin's Barn, runners reach the halfway mark near Crumlin Road. The terrain becomes slightly undulating through the south Dublin suburbs.

MI 22

KM 35

Heartbreak Hill

The most challenging section of the course, a roughly 3 km climb along Roebuck Road around the 35 km mark. Named for its position late in the race when fatigue sets in.

MI 26

KM 42

Merrion Square Finish

The final stretch runs along Merrion Road past the RDS grounds. The finish line at Merrion Square sits beside the Pepper Canister Church, with large crowds gathered to cheer runners home.