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GET THOSE LACES tied – the streets of Dublin will come alive this Sunday as over 22,500 runners take on the 44th Dublin Marathon.
Known as “the friendly marathon”, the event brings together elite athletes, first-timers, and thousands of supporters for a 26.2-mile celebration of fitness and community.
Here’s all you need to know.
Click here to view a larger version of the map
Runners can expect the same course as last year, starting on Leeson Street Lower before looping through the city’s historic streets and leafy suburbs.
The finish line awaits on Mount Street Upper, just beyond the Pepper Canister Church.
The toughest test traditionally comes between miles 20 and 22 — the climb through Clonskeagh and Roebuck Roads — before a rewarding downhill stretch along Fosters Avenue and a flat run home to Merrion Square.
The full course remains open for seven hours, starting when the final wave sets off. After that, anyone still running will be asked to move to the footpaths as roads reopen.
The marathon will begin early on Sunday 26 October, with staggered wave starts every 20 minutes:
Participants should aim to arrive an hour before their designated start, allowing time for baggage drop at Merrion Square and warm-up.
A handy bonus: the clocks go back one hour overnight, meaning an extra hour’s rest before race day begins.
Driving is strongly discouraged, as there’s no parking near the start or finish lines.
- Luas: Both the Red and Green lines will run as normal.
- DART: Services will operate only between Greystones and Connolly Station due to engineering works.
City centre streets will be closed from the early hours, particularly around Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Street, and Leeson Street.
Plan to travel on foot or by public transport.
Road closures have been rolled out since today, with Merrion Square South closed from 10am today until 2pm on Monday.
Additional streets, including St Stephen’s Green, Leeson Street, Fitzwilliam Street, and Mount Street, will be affected from the early hours of Sunday and reopen gradually between 11am and 8pm.
Plan journeys carefully if you live or work near the route.
All participants must collect their race number and timing chip at the Dublin Marathon Expo, held in the Main Hall of the RDS.
The Expo is on today until 7pm, and tomorrow from 9am to 6pm.
Bring valid photo ID, and remember there’s no collection on race day.
Only the clear bags provided at registration may be used for the baggage drop.
Race numbers are strictly non-transferable, as they double as personal identification in case of medical emergencies.
Anyone found to have swapped or sold a number risks a ban from future events.
Dublin’s official pacing teams will guide runners toward target times, from three hours to five hours. Pacers are easy to spot — look for the big balloons floating above their heads.
The course also includes ten water stations, three Lucozade Sport stations and two High5 gel points.
If you haven’t used a particular brand during training, experts advise sticking to what your body knows on race day.
Dublin’s marathon has always been as much about spirit as speed. Runners in fancy dress are welcome, just keep your number visible.
The city’s famous hospitality will shine through the 14 official support zones, where spectators can cheer, sing, and ring cowbells to lift the tired legs of those passing by.
Can’t make it to the sidelines?The full race will be live streamed on the Dublin Marathon YouTube channel, and the official marathon app offers live participant tracking.
The forecast looks cool and mostly dry (i.e. perfect running conditions).
Still, Irish weather can turn quickly, so plan your gear wisely and layer up for the start.
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