Irish Life Dublin Marathon Celebrates 45th Running as Road to 50 Begins
One of Europe’s largest marathon events launches landmark 2026 campaign celebrating heritage, people and the future of Irish running
race in 1980. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
JUNE 10TH, 2026
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon will celebrate its 45th running on Sunday, 25th October 2026, marking a major milestone for one of Europe’s largest city marathons and launching the next chapter in the journey towards the race’s 50th anniversary.
While 2026 marks 47 years since the event was first established in 1980, this year’s race represents the 45th official running of the Dublin Marathon, following two editions impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic which were held virtually.
Built on miles, carried by stories, and powered by people, the 45th edition celebrates the event’s journey from a small city-centre race with just 1,300 participants in 1980 to one of Europe’s largest marathons, attracting thousands of runners from Ireland and around the world each year.
Celebrating the People Behind the Marathon
Chief Executive Officer of Dublin Marathon Group Sean O’Riain said, “The 45th running of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon is an opportunity to reflect on the people who have helped shape this event over more than four decades, from the runners who stood on the start line in 1980 to today’s elite athletes continuing to raise standards.”
“It is also important to recognise the role of charities, volunteers, communities and key stakeholders, including our title sponsor Irish Life, who continue to support the growth of the event. Together, they have helped build the Irish Life Dublin Marathon into one of Europe’s leading marathon events as we now begin the journey towards the 50th running” added O’Riain
The event is also launching the #EveryBibHasAStory campaign, inviting participants to share the personal journeys behind their marathon experience and celebrating the stories that continue to define the event. Official Charity Partner realbuzz continues to support the charity entry process, with interested runners able to apply for charity entries through the official race website.
Extended Transfer Window to Provide More Opportunities for Runners
Dublin Marathon Group has significantly extended the official transfer window for 2026 event in response to continued demand, creating more opportunities for runners who missed out in the ballot to secure a place through the official transfer system. The official transfer period has increased from just over one month in 2025 to more than two months for 2026, providing participants with greater flexibility to officially transfer entries.
Demand for Dublin Marathon Group events continues to grow, with both the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon and the Irish Life Fingal 10K already sold out for 2026.
Race Director Jim Aughney said, “Our focus remains on delivering a high-quality experience for runners of all abilities, from first-time participants to experienced marathon runners, while continuing to improve operational systems, participant communications and event-day support.”
Supporting Runners on the Road to Marathon Day
As part of its continued commitment to supporting runners throughout their journey, Dublin Marathon Group also announced Emmett Dunleavy as the Official Dublin Marathon Group Coach. Dunleavy will provide coaching guidance and training content to support participants of all experience levels.
Dunleavy said “Taking on a marathon is a huge personal challenge, whether you are aiming to complete your first race or chasing a new personal best and I’m looking forward to supporting participants throughout their training journey with practical advice, guidance and encouragement in the lead up to race day.”
Irish Life Continues Support of Landmark Event
Ann Marie Nestor, Managing Director, Irish Life Health said the event continues to demonstrate the positive power of running and participation across Irish society.
“At Irish Life, we are proud to support an event that reflects our commitment to physical and mental wellbeing, inclusion and stronger community connections.”
“The Irish Life Dublin Marathon has become a landmark occasion not just for runners, but for Dublin and communities across Ireland. As the event celebrates its 45th year, the people, stories and shared experiences around the event show why it continues to be so special.”
The 2026 campaign creative will reflect both the heritage and modern identity of the event, drawing inspiration from the marathon’s origins in Dublin city-centre while showcasing the energy, diversity and community spirit that define the Irish Life Dublin Marathon today.
