Dublin Marathon
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About the race
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is an established city marathon that follows a measured 26.2 miles route through central and suburban Dublin. The official 2026 course uses many recognisable streets and landmarks: a downhill start from Leeson Street through St Stephen’s Green, passages through the Liberties, past St Patrick’s Cathedral, and along Patrick Street towards Christchurch and the River Liffey. Runners pass onto Dublin’s Northside and reach the first hydration station near Aughrim Street.
Around 6K the route enters Phoenix Park, passing Dublin Zoo and Chesterfield Avenue, then exits near Castleknock and returns through Knockmaroon Gate towards Chapelizod and Inchicore. The course continues past Kilmainham Gaol and reaches the halfway point on Crumlin Road. Subsequent sections run through Cromwellsfort and Fortfield Roads, down Templeogue Road into Terenure, then include descents on Dartry Road and climbs on Milltown, Clonskeagh and Roebuck Roads. The well known "Irish Heartbreak Hill" appears around 35K, followed by a downhill on Fosters Avenue, Stillorgan Road, Nutley Lane at RTÉ and a straight finish along Merrion Road past the RDS to Pepper Canister Church.
The event includes a race expo, an official fundraising programme with over 200 partner charities, and a shared race weekend guide with course maps and practical information. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
