Hot on the heels of yesterday’s announcement that the Irish Life Dublin Marathon next month will return to free-to-air television on TG4, race organisers have already turned their attention towards 2027, announcing a revised ballot system, an increased entry fee and the dates for next year’s Marathon Race Series.
The 2027 marathon will take place on Sunday, October 24th, with the full entry price rising from €110 to €130.
That increase is significant, but organisers have pointed to higher costs around areas including safety, staffing and event infrastructure after several years in which the entry price had remained stable.
The ballot also includes a runner-friendly change.
Entry to the ballot will require a €4 deposit, but unlike the 2026 process, unsuccessful applicants will get it back. The ballot opens on November 12, 2026, while the 2027 transfer window will run from July 21 to September 22.
Dates have also been set for the three Irish Life Dublin Marathon Race Series events: the Fingal 10K on July 11th, Frank Duffy 10 Mile on August 14th and Dublin City Council Dublin Half Marathon on September 19th.
The 2026 race on October 25th is sold out at 22,500 runners and will be shown live and free-to-air on TG4, bringing the Dublin Marathon back to live terrestrial television for the first time in 15 years.
Sport for Business Perspective
Live television and international streaming through TG4 Player allow Irish Life, the Marathon and its other partners to reach people who may never run the 26.2 miles, while the Race Series creates additional participation inventory across the summer.
The move from €110 to €130 will inevitably attract attention. For the organisation, however, the challenge is to demonstrate that increased revenue is being reinvested in safety, infrastructure and runner experience rather than simply reflecting the strength of demand.
With the event approaching its 50th running at the end of the decade, the strategic task is increasingly about balancing scale, experience and reach. They look as if they are very much on top of that.
Dublin Marathon Group, TG4, Irish Life, Sports Direct and Dublin City Council are full members of Sport for Business. Dublin City Council are our Partner in Participation and Community Sport.
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Image Credit: Dublin Marathon and Sam Barnes, Sportsfile.
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