Dublin Marathon

The Dublin Marathon was founded in 1980, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 46 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Dublin, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The course record of 02:05:39, set by Khalid Khannouchi in 2001, speaks to what the Dublin Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.

Runners come to the Dublin Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Dublin has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

Getting into the Dublin Marathon is a race before the race. The entry lottery draws far more applicants than available spots, and the notification email — accepted or rejected — has become an annual ritual that defines the running calendars of thousands.

Dublin spectators don't just cheer — they entertain. Live bands on every other corner, pubs pulling pints and offering them to runners (some accept), and a sense of humor that turns every aid station into a comedy venue. Runners report Dublin as the funniest marathon they've ever run.