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Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

  • IE Dublin
  • 25 October 2026
  • Marathon
Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026
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 2025 and make your miles mean more. 

Plus, all runners get an exclusive and complimentary invite to our Charity Champions Finisher party, immediately after the race. Beat the ballot and make the miles mean more in 2026. 

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, enter today in three simple steps:
Step 1
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You can reserve an individual entry straight away

by choosing your charity and paying a refundable holding deposit 
Step 2
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Or you can apply to join a charity’s team

it’s free to apply and your charity will get in touch to let you know if you’ve been accepted.
Step 3
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Next stop, fundraising!

Either way, once your place is confirmed, it’s time to start fundraising. We’ll drop your next steps into your inbox. 
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Charity partners you can support in this event include

The Blue Card
The Blue Card
Aiding Holocaust survivors so their remaining years are spent with as much dignity and comfort as possible.
Amnesty International Ireland
Amnesty International Ireland
Campaigning for human rights in Ireland and globally.
Live Unlimited
Live Unlimited
Providing opportunities and support to looked-after children and young care leavers in Barnet.
Children's Health Foundation
Children's Health Foundation
Children’s Health Foundation’s mission is to help provide world-class facilities, research and compassionate loving care for every sick child in Ireland.
Street Child UK
Street Child UK
Street child ensure that children are safe, in school and learning.
St Joseph's Hospice
St Joseph's Hospice
Help people with life-limiting illness make the most of the time they have left.
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Ireland’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland
Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland
Personal support services including professional counselling and a drugs and alcohol support service.
Make-A-Wish UK
Make-A-Wish UK
Making wishes come true for a critically ill children and allowing families to create lasting memories – no matter what the future holds.
ARC Cancer Support Centres
ARC Cancer Support Centres
Supporting men, women and children living with cancer and their loved ones. All our services are provided free of charge.

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. 
Deposit
Fundraising Target