🇮🇪Dublin, Ireland
Irish Life Dublin Marathon
Oct 26, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
130 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
Good conditions for a solid performance
Beginner friendly
Perfect first marathon — supportive, accessible, and well-structured
About this race
Dublin has earned a reputation as the friendliest marathon in Europe, and it lives up to it completely. The looped course starts and finishes near Merrion Square and passes through Dublin's Georgian architecture, Phoenix Park (Europe's largest enclosed city park), and along the Grand Canal. The 130m of elevation is manageable with steady gentle gradients. What makes Dublin special is the atmosphere: the Irish crowd makes every runner feel like a local hero, with impromptu music, pub supporters offering orange slices and encouragement, and a finish line atmosphere that regularly reduces first-timers to tears of joy. Entry is straightforward, international slots are available, and the October weather is typically mild and merciful.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
9–14°C
Humidity
75–85%
Conditions
Variable Irish weather — can be mild or rainy
Wind
10–25 km/h, unpredictable
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