Dublin Marathon

Course & Elevation

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is a city-centre marathon held on a Sunday in late October. It starts on Leeson Street Lower and finishes on Mount Street Upper, after a single loop of the city. The organisers describe a route that combines flat sections with challenging climbs. After a downhill start through St Stephen's Green, runners pass through the Liberties and by St Patrick's Cathedral, climb Patrick Street towards Christchurch and cross the River Liffey to the northside. At about 6 km they enter Phoenix Park, past Dublin Zoo and along Chesterfield Avenue, loop out via Castleknock and return through Knockmaroon Gate to Chapelizod and Inchicore. The final 10 km include a downhill on Dartry Road, an incline on Milltown Road and a 3 km climb along Clonskeagh and Roebuck Roads. Around the 35 km mark comes the climb the organisers call Irish Heartbreak Hill, before a downhill on Fosters Avenue and the run in along Merrion Road and Northumberland Road. The first race was held in 1980, the 2026 edition was the 45th and the 2027 race will be the 46th. Capacity for 2027 is 22,500 runners, with 17,200 places allocated through a public ballot.