The Irish Life Dublin Marathon will celebrate its 45th official running on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, launching a new campaign that looks back on the event’s heritage while setting the course towards its 50th edition.
First staged in 1980, the Dublin Marathon has grown from a city-centre race with 1,300 participants into one of Europe’s largest city marathons, attracting thousands of runners from Ireland and overseas each year.
While 2026 marks 47 years since the event was established, it will be the 45th official running of the marathon, following two editions during the Covid-19 pandemic which were held virtually.
The 2026 campaign will celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped the event over more than four decades, from the runners who took part in the first race to the elite athletes, charity fundraisers, volunteers, sponsors and communities who continue to give the marathon its character.
“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,” said Sean O’Riain, Chief Executive Officer of Dublin Marathon Group.
“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.”
A central part of the campaign will be the launch of #EveryBibHasAStory, inviting participants to share the personal journeys behind their marathon experience.
Official Charity Partner realbuzz will continue to support the charity entry process, with runners able to apply for charity places through the official race website.
Dublin Marathon Group has also extended the official transfer window for the 2026 event in response to continued demand.
The transfer period has increased from just over one month in 2025 to more than two months in 2026, creating more opportunities for runners who missed out in the ballot to secure a place through the official transfer system.
Demand across Dublin Marathon Group events remains strong, with both the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon and the Irish Life Fingal 10K already sold out for 2026.
“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,” said Jim Aughney, Race Director.
As part of its continued support for participants, Dublin Marathon Group has announced Emmett Dunleavy as Official Dublin Marathon Group Coach.
Dunleavy will provide coaching guidance and training content to support runners of all experience levels on the road to marathon day.
“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,” said Dunleavy.
Irish Life will continue as title sponsor of the event, which has become one of the standout participation occasions in the Irish sporting calendar.
“At Irish Life, we are proud to support an event that reflects our commitment to physical and mental wellbeing, inclusion and stronger community connections,” said Ann Marie Nestor, Managing Director of Irish Life Health.
“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 draw on the marathon’s Dublin city-centre origins while reflecting the diversity, energy and community spirit that define the event today.
For the thousands who will line up on October 25th, the 45th running will be another personal journey through the capital. For the event itself, it begins the road to 50.
Irish Life, Dublin Marathon Group and Dublin City Council are full members of Sport for Business.
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Image Credit: Gymnastics Ireland
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