Over 22,000 to take on Dublin Marathon later this month

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 26, starting at 8.45am from Leeson Street Lower, with the finish on Mount Street Upper. Over 22,500 entrants including international and elite athletes, club runners, wheelchair participants, charity fundraisers, and first-time marathoners have registered to take part in this year’s 26.2-mile race.

Now in its 44th year, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon remains one of Ireland’s largest mass participation events, uniting over 330,000 spectators, 2,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of runners in a powerful celebration of endurance, community spirit, and connection.

Social and Economic Impact

According to a University College Dublin (UCD) Economic Impact Assessment, the 2024 marathon generated €23.79 million for the Irish economy with every €1 spent creating €2.29 in value across hospitality, accommodation, and local businesses. The 2025 event is projected to raise approximately €9 million for more than 120 charities, highlighting its ongoing social and economic significance.

In addition, the thousands of runners taking part in the event have improved their overall fitness and wellbeing while preparing for the challenge, underscoring the marathon’s positive impact on public health and community engagement.

Elite Field & National Championships

The 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon elite field will feature a strong international line-up and will again incorporate the national marathon championships. In the men’s elite category, Kenya’s Hillary Kipsambu (personal best: 2:04:44) and Sweden’s Samuel Tsegaye (PB: 2:06:53) will be competing against Ethiopia’s Asefa Tefera and Bahrain’s Aweke Ayalew for top positions. Irish hopes will be pinned on Ryan Creech, who finished second in the national field and ninth overall in last year’s race. Ryan is determined to challenge for national honours once again, but he will face competition from Paul O’Donnell, who recently achieved a personal best of 2:10:17 in New York, moving him into sixth place on the all-time rankings. Additionally, Jake O’Regan will be making his marathon debut after winning the national half marathon title in August and following up with a victory in the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon in September

In the women's elite race, Atsede Baysa of Ethiopia, a three-time major marathon winner, is set to compete. With a season-best marathon time of 2:28:32, she will face strong competition from her fellow countrywoman Tejinesh Tulu, who achieved a personal best of 2:24:37 last year in Seville, and Kenya's Lilian Jepkorir Chebii, who recorded a personal best of 2:25:14 this year. Two-time national champion Ann-Marie McGlynn returns to seek her third consecutive Irish title after finishing in 2:34:05 in 2024. Additionally, Nichola Sheridan, the winner of this year’s Dublin City Half Marathon, will participate in her third Dublin Marathon.

Notable Participants

This year, several familiar faces are participating in the event, including Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley and assistant manager Glenn Cronin. They aim to raise €100,000 for Oscar’s Kids, a childhood cancer charity that supports families across Ireland. This cause is particularly personal for them, as Stephen’s son Josh recently completed treatment for leukaemia, ringing the bell at Crumlin Hospital in August 2025. Meanwhile, Glenn’s daughter Aoife successfully recovered from soft tissue sarcoma.

Comedian Enya Martin, known for her popular sketches on "Giz a Laugh," is also taking part, running in memory of her aunt to support the Irish Cancer Society. Today FM presenter Paula MacSweeney and Ireland AM host Eric Roberts are joining the effort, bringing their media flair and energy to the occasion.

A remarkable group known as the Dublin Marathon "Originals" will also participate. This group has completed every race since the inaugural event in 1980 and includes members such as Martin Kelly (Dublin), Peadar Nugent (Galway), Donal Ward (Donegal), Seamus Cawley (Limerick), Seamus Dunne (Meath), Patrick Gowen (Dublin), Dominic Gallagher (Dublin), and Mick Carolan (Dublin). Notably, Mary Nolan Hickey from Greystones, Wicklow, is the only woman to have completed every Dublin Marathon since 1980. Unfortunately, Mary will not be able to start this year, ending her impressive unbroken streak that has lasted over four decades.

Lord Mayor’s Medal

At the start of the race, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam will present the Lord Mayor’s Medal, an honour awarded since 2011 to runners who have overcome exceptional odds or whose stories inspire others. Each year, the Lord Mayor recognises participants who embody the true spirit of the Dublin Marathon, those who have faced incredible challenges to take part, or whose personal journeys have inspired their communities. These remarkable stories of courage, resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the incredible human spirit at the heart of the Dublin Marathon.

Finisher Medal

The 2025 finisher medal design highlights Dublin’s most recognisable landmarks. The Custom House symbolises the city’s history and resilience, while the Samuel Beckett Bridge represents the connection between tradition and progress. The Ha’penny Bridge pays tribute to Dublin’s charm and heritage, reflecting the everyday life and connections within the city. At the centre is the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a key landmark and an iconic part of the 26.2-mile course. James Joyce honours Dublin’s rich literary legacy, while Molly Malone celebrates the city’s folklore through her iconic statue and song.

Race Course

The 2025 Dublin Marathon route takes runners through Dublin’s most recognisable streets, neighbourhoods, and landmarks, combining flat sections with challenging climbs.

The course begins with a downhill start from Leeson Street through St Stephen’s Green, before continuing through the historic Liberties and past St Patrick’s Cathedral. The first incline begins on Patrick Street, heading towards Christchurch, followed by a downhill section to the River Liffey and onto Dublin’s Northside. The first hydration station is located around Aughrim Street.

At the 6K point, runners enter Phoenix Park Europe’s largest enclosed park passing Dublin Zoo and Chesterfield Avenue with strong crowd support. Exiting near Castleknock, a short climb is offset by local support and music, before the route re-enters the park at Knockmaroon Gate, descending towards Chapelizod and on to Inchicore.

After passing Kilmainham Gaol, the terrain becomes slightly undulating as it approaches Dolphin’s Barn and the Crumlin Road, marking the halfway point. The next stretch offers flatter ground through Cromwellsfort and Fortfield Roads, with a downhill along Templeogue Road into Terenure, completing the third 10K segment.

The final 10K features both descents and testing climbs. After a downhill on Dartry Road, runners tackle an incline on Milltown Road, followed by a 3K climb along Clonskeagh and Roebuck Roads. Around the 35K mark, the well-known “Irish Heartbreak Hill” presents the most formidable challenge before a downhill along Fosters Avenue.

The route then follows Stillorgan Road, crosses a flyover, and turns onto Nutley Lane at RTÉ, reaching the 38K mark. From there, it is a straight run along Merrion Road, past the RDS, to the finish line at the Pepper Canister Church, where supporters gather to cheer runners’ home.

Support Zones

Spectators are encouraged to cheer at 14 official Support Zones, including Patrick Street, Inns Quay, Phoenix Monument, Myos Castleknock, Chapelizod, Kilmainham, South Circular Road, Cromwellsfort Road, Terenure, Milltown, Foster Avenue, Merrion Road, and The Irish Life Mile on Northumberland Road the final stretch to the finish.

Live music from Q102, Irish Life Support Zones, and on-course entertainment will energise the atmosphere throughout the route.