The 26.2-mile challenge attracts elite athletes, club runners, wheelchair competitors, and first-time marathoners alike, making it one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting events. Whether you’re racing or supporting from the sidelines, here’s your essential guide.
Unfortunately, entries are now closed. The marathon is sold out, and no further registrations will be accepted.
The start line is located on Leeson Street Lower.
8:40am – Wheelchair and cerebral palsy athletes
8:45am – Wave 1
Subsequent waves begin every 20 minutes until 9:45am
Runners are strongly advised to be in their assigned start zones by 8am to ensure a smooth start.
There is no parking permitted near the start or finish areas. However, several multi-storey car parks are available nearby, including:
Royal College of Surgeons
Brown Thomas
St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
Please check opening times and parking fees in advance.
Bib collection and the Marathon Expo take place at the RDS, Dublin 4:
Friday, October 24: 12pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 25: 9am – 6pm
Peak times are Friday 12–2pm and Saturday 2–4pm, so runners are encouraged to attend outside these hours to avoid queues.
A strict zero-tolerance policy applies to number swapping outside the official transfer window — for everyone’s safety and event integrity.
Supporters can line the route at 14 official cheer points, including:
Patrick Street, Inns Quay, Phoenix Monument, Myos Castleknock, Chapelizod, Kilmainham, South Circular Road, Cromwellsfort Road, Terenure, Milltown, Foster Avenue, Merrion Road, and The Irish Life Mile on Northumberland Road, where the final stretch begins.
The official baggage area is located on Merrion Square North.
Only official marathon bags are allowed.
Facilities include:
Toilets at start zones and feed stations
First aid points throughout the course for medical support
The marathon has a 7-hour cut-off time.
Tail walkers will accompany the last participants to ensure everyone completes the route safely.
Official pacers — carrying balloons marked with finish times — will be available for a variety of pacing goals.
The Dublin Marathon route blends flat sections with a few challenging inclines, showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Runners begin downhill from Leeson Street, passing St Stephen’s Green and the historic Liberties, before the first climb up Patrick Street towards Christchurch Cathedral.
After a descent to the River Liffey, participants cross to the Northside, reaching the first hydration station near Aughrim Street.
At 6km, the course enters Phoenix Park, passing Dublin Zoo and Chesterfield Avenue. After exiting near Castleknock, runners enjoy huge local support before re-entering the park at Knockmaroon Gate and descending through Chapelizod and Inchicore.
The halfway mark comes near Kilmainham Gaol, followed by Crumlin Road, Cromwellsfort Road, and Templeogue Road into Terenure.
The final stretch includes Dartry, Milltown, Clonskeagh, and Roebuck Roads, leading to the famous Irish Heartbreak Hill around 35km. From there, it’s downhill via Foster Avenue and Stillorgan Road, passing RTÉ on Nutley Lane at 38km, before the last push along Merrion Road to the finish line at Mount Street Upper, near the Pepper Canister Church — a favourite gathering spot for supporters.
Ishka Water: Miles 1, 3, and 7
Lucozade Sport: Miles 9½, 13, 19, and 22
High5 Energy Gels: Miles 16 and 22
Runners are encouraged to recycle bottles and cups responsibly at the bins provided — supporting the marathon’s sustainability initiative.
Every finisher will receive:
Commemorative Medal
Finisher T-shirt
Goody Bag
The 2025 medal celebrates Dublin’s spirit, featuring landmarks such as The Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, Wellington Monument, James Joyce, and Molly Malone.
Whether you’re running your first marathon or chasing a personal best, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon is a celebration of endurance, community, and the heart of Dublin itself.
You can find out any additional information about Dublin City Marathon here.
