The organisers of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon have announced that from 2026 onwards, all general entries will be allocated through a public ballot system — a major change designed to make Ireland’s largest marathon fairer and more inclusive.
The move is intended to rebalance participation between returning runners and newcomers, while also addressing the gender gap that currently sees women make up just 36% of the field.
“The ballot system is designed to make entry to the Dublin Marathon as fair and open as possible,” said Race Director Jim Aughney. “We’re giving first-time runners a better chance to take part while still recognising the loyalty of those who’ve supported the event over the years.”
In recent editions, around 70% of places were taken by returning participants. Under the new approach, a larger proportion of entries will be reserved for first-timers, helping to diversify the field.
Efforts will also focus on improving female representation. The early-entry opportunity previously offered to women who took part in the Dublin Half Marathon will now transition into the general ballot to encourage broader inclusion.
The familiar 48-hour priority entry window, which allowed current-year participants to sign up early for the following year, will be discontinued.
“We’re very proud of the community that has built up around the Dublin Marathon,” Aughney said. “Those who’ve run with us before will still be recognised. When entering the ballot, they can confirm at least one Dublin Marathon finish since 2016, ensuring their continued place within the event’s story.”
Each runner will only be able to enter the ballot once, with multiple entries voided.
Alongside the new ballot, entries will continue to be reserved for elite athletes, Good for Age qualifiers, charity partners, community programmes, and sponsors.
The Good for Age category offers guaranteed entry to runners who achieve verified qualifying times within the previous two years, with standards varying by age and gender — from a sub-3:00 time for men aged 18–35 to a sub-6:50 time for women aged 80+.
Charity places will remain a central route for participation, supporting fundraising efforts that raise an estimated €9 million annually for more than 120 charities.
How the Ballot Will Work
Applications for the 2026 ballot will open for six days — from Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 7 am to Monday, 17 November at midnight via www.irishlifedublinmarathon.ie
Ballot results will be released in batches on Tuesday, November 25, and Wednesday, November 26.
A €5 administration fee will be applied to each entry, redeemable against the full €110 entry fee if successful, and non-refundable if unsuccessful.
Those who miss out will still have further opportunities through a transfer window and refund system, with returned places released back into circulation. Dates for these will be announced in 2026.
“Our goal is to inspire participation from every background, ability, and community,” Aughney added. “We want to see more first-timers, more women, and more people discovering what makes Dublin one of the great marathon cities of the world.”
Ranked among Europe’s top five marathons, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon continues to champion health, wellbeing, and community through running — and from 2026, its start line will reflect those values more than ever.
Irish Life reaffirmed their commitment and sponsors, recently announcing an extension in their award winning partnership through to 2029.
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