Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

The only marathon through the iconic Dublin city centre.

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Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

2026 sold out. Enquire now for 2027

Dublin
25 October 2026
Marathon

Why run it?

With its iconic route past Dublin’s most famous landmarks, a relatively flat course and optimum running temperatures, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon is unmissable. Known as the friendliest marathon, thousands of spectators take to the streets to cheer you on and show the power of support. It's the only marathon to traverse Dublin city centre - join over 22,000 runners in 2026 and make your miles mean more. Plus, all charity runners get access to the exclusive realbuzz finisher party for free!

What's it like to run?

Runners:

22000

Surface:

Road

Start:

08:45

Course:

Flat, single lap

Temp:

10-14°C

Distance:

Marathon

How to Enter

Our events are sell-out races, so places are limited and will be made available on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t miss out, apply today in three simple steps:

Step 1

Choose your charity and apply

Fill out a simple form to apply to join their team (it’s free to apply!)

Step 2

Your charity will get in touch

once they’ve reviewed your application to let you know next steps.

Step 3

Start Fundraising

If you get accepted onto the team, it's time to start fundraising. If not, you can apply to run for a different charity.

Event Images

Charity partners you can support in this event include

WellChild

WellChild enables children with complex medical needs to thrive at home by funding specialist nurses, connecting families through peer support, providing hands-on training, and transforming outdoor spaces.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Accelerating the development of next generation myeloma treatments to extend patient’s lives.

Make-A-Wish UK

Make-A-Wish UK grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children. When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness.

ISPCC Childline

Our mission is to listen to children and support them to live their best possible lives.

Pencils of Promise

We bring quality education to kids around the world

Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland

Ireland’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

The Myton Hospices

We believe every single moment matters and we focus on enhancing life when cure is no longer an option.

Better Lives Foundation

Over 40 years experience working to improve health and education conditions in Sierra Leone.

The Matt Hampson Foundation

Supporting young people seriously injured through sport, so they can get busy living again.

ARC Cancer Support Centres

Supporting men, women and children living with cancer and their loved ones. All our services are provided free of charge.

The Skye High Foundation

Supporting families during and after the loss of a twin, triplet, or multiples.

Rated 4.8

Irish Life Dublin Marathon reviews

Write a review

""Running with realbuzz was such an easy and enjoyable process and I loved supporting my charity. I’ve already signed up for more races and can’t wait for my next one!""

Ethan Smith

""My first time running a marathon was going to be a monumental challenge regardless but I found the whole process with realbuzz really helped and I made it to the finish line and through my fundraising goals!""

Lucy O'Connor

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FAQs

Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or returning for another year, we want you to feel prepared and inspired. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about signing up, fundraising, and making an impact.

View all FAQs

Running for charity means taking part in an official race while committing to raise money to a set level (fundraising target) for a chosen cause. Because you're committed to fundraising, you can get guaranteed entry subject to completing a certain amount of fundraising, even if your chosen event is sold out for general entry, plus expert fundraising support to help you reach your target.
It's simple. Choose your distance, pick your event and select the charity you'd like to support. Once you've secured your place - either by signing up for an individual entry straight away or applying for a team if your charity has an official team in your chosen event - you'll receive everything you need to prepare, fundraise, and take on race day with confidence.
Not at all! Charity runs are open to all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re aiming for your first 10K or a major marathon, we’ll provide training tips and fundraising advice to help you succeed. With realbuzz, you can choose from marathons, half marathons, shorter distances such as 10ks and 10 miles, and team relay races.
There will be a fundraising target, based on the event you choose, which you'll need to commit to as part of securing your place. When you sign up, you'll receive info about your chosen charity's preferred fundraising platform so you can set up your fundraising page. 100% of your fundraising goes to your charity, usually directly through the fundraising platform you're using.

Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

Dublin

25 October 2026

Marathon