Charity places in Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026

Provisional timetable

• 12:00-19:00 | Friday - Collect race bag during registration
• 09:00-19:00 | Saturday - Collect race bag during registration

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The Dublin Marathon route showcases the capital’s best sights, from Georgian streets and Phoenix Park to the Grand Canal and UCD, on a fast, scenic, single-lap course with incredible crowd support. Conditions for marathon running are ideal.

Highlights

• Start at Fitzwilliam Square
• Pass Dublin Zoo
• Race through Phoenix Park
• Cross the Grand Canal as you head south to Bushy Park
• Pass University College Dublin as you approach the finish
• Cross the line at Merrion Square

Map

Event HQ

Leeson Street Lower
Dublin
Ireland

The illustrious city of Dublin has been drawing visitors in their droves for years. The incredibly picturesque medieval city also has a more modern and cosmopolitan side to it, whilst the more compact nature, compared with other European capitals, means it's easy and inviting to the visitor. The cultural and arts sector is burgeoning, meaning there's so much happening, you'll never fail to find a wonderful way to experience this city.

Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

• Fundraising support

  Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

• Training support

  Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

• Branded running kit

  When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

• Support on the day

  When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

• Post-race recovery

  Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

• Exclusive social groups

  You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.

Marathon running and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Your charity will provide a range of goodies including branded, technical running vest to help you look and feel the part on the big day!

Sustainability policy

• Goody bags are 100% compostable.
• Baggage bags are made from Oxo-degradable plastic.
• Plastic bottles will all be recycled - that's 100% of them.
• Unopened water bottles donated to local running club for use.
• Recycling receptacles at the event for a range of materials.
• Discarded clothes at the start line will go to charity.
• Race instructions and registration materials will be digital, not printed.
• Not all race numbers will be printed to allow for the usual drop-offs.
• All branding material, banners etc collected and reused.
• All generators used will be fitted with either Exhaust Gas Recirculation or a Diesel Particular filter depending on the size of the Generator.
• Leftover Goody Bags collected by charity.
• Lucozade Sport trialing fully compostable cups as part of their plans to drive sustainability at mass-participation sporting events.