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Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

The only marathon through the iconic Dublin city centre.
  • 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 2026 and make your miles mean more. Plus, all charity runners get access to the exclusive realbuzz finisher party for free!

Apply promo code STPAT26 for FREE sign up, in celebration of St Patrick's Day. Ends 22/03/26.

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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Pick your charity and sign up

Simply pay a refundable holding deposit to reserve your place supporting an amazing cause. 

Step 2
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Set up your fundraising page

Plus activate your free realbuzz account - we’ll drop all the details in your inbox as soon as you sign up.
Step 3
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Get to 75% of your fundraising target

about 2-3 months before your event, to confirm your place for race day! Reach 100% or more and we’ll refund your deposit.
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Charity partners you can support in this event include

WellChild
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.
Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK
We are the UK's leading dementia research charity. We exist for a cure.
The Matt Hampson Foundation
The Matt Hampson Foundation
Supporting young people seriously injured through sport, so they can get busy living again.
Service Dogs UK
Service Dogs UK
We train and provide assistance dogs from rescue for members of the armed forces and emergency services suffering with PTSD.
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Help protect orangutans, their forests and their future.
Keep a Child Alive
Keep a Child Alive
A global movement born out of a commitment to support children facing the most challenging circumstances.
Organization for Autism Research
Organization for Autism Research
Funding applied research and helping inform the autism community about research based interventions.
Pencils of Promise
Pencils of Promise
We bring quality education to kids around the world
Cancer Fund For Children
Cancer Fund For Children
Providing practical and emotional support to children and young people impacted by cancer.
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.
The Gavin Glynn Foundation
The Gavin Glynn Foundation
Helping children battling cancer who need to travel overseas for treatment.

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