Ballot Application
The 2026 Irish Life Dublin Marathon will take place on Sunday, the 25th of October. Entry for the event took place via a ballot system in November 2025, which has now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.
Details on entries for the 2027 Irish Life Dublin Marathon will be announced later in the year.
Balanced Entry
The ballot system for 2026 created a fairer balance between previous participants and newcomers, with more places made available for first-time runners, as approximately 70% of entries in recent years have been claimed by previous participants. Additionally, efforts focused on increasing female representation.
Runners who have participated in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon before will still be well represented, as those who entered the ballot could indicate if they have previously participated in the event since 2016.
In addition to the general ballot, entries will also be reserved for Elite athletes, Good for Age qualifiers, charity places and community programmes.
Ballot Results
Ballot results were communicated to applicants on Tuesday, 25th November, and Wednesday, 26th November, with notifications released in batches over both days.
Number Collection
PLEASE NOTE: If successful, you MUST collect your race number and pack in person at the Irish Life Dublin Marathon Expo on Friday or Saturday before race day. This is an important safety requirement and a key part of event management, in line with standard practice across major city marathons. It ensures all final start line numbers are confirmed, runners’ identities are verified, ensuring the safe and successful running of the event.
Additional Entry Opportunities
If runners are unsuccessful in the ballot, they will have additional chances to gain entry through charity places and via the transfer window and refund system.
Through our charity partner, realbuzz, you can apply for a place with one of our official charity partners. With over 150 amazing charities from Ireland and around the world, you can choose a cause close to your heart and help raise vital funds HERE.
The refund window will be open from Wednesday, July 1st, to Sunday, July 12th, 2026. The transfer window for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon will open on Wednesday, July 22nd, and close on Wednesday, September 23rd.
Please note: Swapping or transferring your race number to another individual outside of the official transfer window is strictly prohibited under the rules of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon.