Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

The only marathon through the iconic Dublin city centre.

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Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

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!

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

Pick your charity and sign up

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

Step 2

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

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.

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.

The Gavin Glynn Foundation

Helping children battling cancer who need to travel overseas for treatment.

The Mater Hospital Foundation

Helping every patient get the best possible care at the Mater Hospital.

Organization for Autism Research

Funding applied research and helping inform the autism community about research based interventions.

American Cancer Society - DetermiNation

Dedicated to helping people who face cancer through cancer research, patient services and early detection.

The Blue Card

Aiding Holocaust survivors so their remaining years are spent with as much dignity and comfort as possible.

ARC Cancer Support Centres

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

Claire House Children's Hospice

Helping seriously & terminally ill children live life to the full.

Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland

Personal support services including professional counselling and a drugs and alcohol support service.

Orchid - Fighting Male Cancer

Orchid is the UK’s leading charity for those affected by male cancer. For over 25 years we have been working to save men’s lives from testicular, penile and prostate cancer through a range of support services, education and awareness campaigns and a world-class research programme.

Dementia UK

We are the specialist dementia nursing charity providing free life-changing support.

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

Deposit

Fundraising Target