Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon, long nicknamed "the friendly marathon," is a warm-hearted tour of the Irish capital run on the October bank holiday, looping out through the city and the green expanse of the Phoenix Park. The course is mostly flat with a gradual climb through the park and Castleknock around the middle miles that tests pacing before the run back toward the finish near Merrion Square. Now so popular it operates an entry lottery, it draws a large, sociable field and famously generous Dublin crowds. The midpoint rises reward runners who hold back early and have something left for the second half. It suits those who want a welcoming, well-supported city race with a respectable but honest profile rather than a guaranteed fast time.
Course Insight
Dublin is the friendly marathon, late-October and generously supported, but don't mistake friendly for easy: the course rolls honestly, with a series of gradual climbs through the southern suburbs around miles 16 to 19 that arrive right as fatigue sets in. The Phoenix Park opening is broad and tempting, so don't bank too much early speed. Pace those midrace drags by effort and you'll have legs for the gently downhill run back into the city. Big, warm crowds make it easy to get swept along too fast. Save for the rollers and the finish rewards the patient.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 216m
- Elevation loss
- 214m
- Highest point
- 71m
- Lowest point
- 3m
- Net elevation
- +2m
- Start
- Leeson Street through St Stephen's Green
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:06:52 — Kemal Husen (Ethiopia), 2023
- Women's
- 2:24:13 — Asmarech Nega (Ethiopia), 2024
Race History
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon was first held in 1980 and earned the affectionate nickname "the friendly marathon" for its warm crowds and welcoming atmosphere. Touring the Irish capital with a gradual mid-race climb through the Phoenix Park area, it grew steadily into one of Europe's larger autumn marathons. So popular has it become that it now operates an entry lottery to manage demand. Held each October, it draws tens of thousands of runners to the streets of Dublin.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Dublin (DUB)
- Best area to stay
- The St. Stephen's Green area for finish proximity and full hotels, Temple Bar for lively central stays, and Ballsbridge for quieter upscale options a short walk from the route.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on Fitzwilliam Street in the city centre; walk from central hotels (most are close), as roads close early.