Now in its 44th edition, the 26.2-mile race attracts elite athletes, club runners, first-time marathoners, wheelchair participants, and charity fundraisers, making it one of the country’s most iconic mass participation events.
Here’s a guide for those involved in the race and the spectators coming along to support.
Is there still time to sign up?
The marathon is sold out, with all entries now closed.
Finisher medal pictured at the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
What time does it start?
The 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon begins on Leeson Street Lower. Wheelchair and cerebral palsy athletes start at 8:40am, with Wave 1 beginning at 8:45am, followed by subsequent waves every 20 minutes until 9:45am.
Organisers are urging all participants to arrive on time via their assigned start zone, as early arrivals are advised to be at the start no later than 8am.
How to get there
Parking near the start and finish areas is prohibited, but nearby multi-storey car parks, including the Royal College of Surgeons, Brown Thomas, and Stephens Green Shopping Centre, are available.
Participants are advised to check opening times and rates in advance. Number collection and the marathon expo take place at the RDS in Dublin 4 on Friday, October 24, from 12pm to 7pm, and Saturday, October 25, from 9am to 6pm.
Peak times are Friday 12–2pm and Saturday 2–4pm, so participants are encouraged to attend outside these windows to avoid long queues.
A strict zero-tolerance policy applies to race number swapping outside the official transfer window to ensure participant safety and event integrity.
Where is the 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.
Where can I put my bag?
Official baggage areas are located in Merrion Square North, with specific opening times according to wave. Only official Irish Life Dublin Marathon bags are permitted. Toilets are available in wave zones and at feed stations throughout the course.
First aid stations are positioned at multiple points along the route to support runners in need.
How long does the race last?
The course has a 7-hour cut-off, with tail walkers ensuring participants are guided safely along the route. Pacers will be available to help runners maintain steady paces for a variety of finish-time goals, identifiable by backpacks and large time balloons.
Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025 route map
What is the course route?
The Dublin Marathon route combines flat stretches with testing climbs and passes many of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Starting with a downhill from Leeson Street through St Stephen’s Green, runners pass through the historic Liberties and past St Patrick’s Cathedral. The first incline begins on Patrick Street, leading to 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 six-kilometre mark, runners enter Phoenix Park, passing Dublin Zoo and Chesterfield Avenue.
Exiting near Castleknock, a short climb is offset by local music and cheering spectators before the course re-enters the park at Knockmaroon Gate, descending through Chapelizod and Inchicore.
The route continues past Kilmainham Gaol and the Crumlin Road, marking the halfway point, then proceeds through Cromwellsfort and Fortfield Roads before descending along Templeogue Road into Terenure.
The final 10 kilometres feature a mix of descents and climbs, including Dartry Road, Milltown, Clonskeagh, and Roebuck Roads. Around the 35-kilometre mark, runners tackle the infamous “Irish Heartbreak Hill” before descending 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 at Mount Street Upper, near the Pepper Canister Church, where spectators gather to cheer runners home.
Will there be water stations?
Hydration and energy stations are spread throughout the route. Ishka Water is available at 1, 3, and 7 miles, while cups are provided at additional stations along the course.
Lucozade Sport is available at 9½, 13, 19, and 22 miles, with High5 energy gels at 16 and 22 miles.
Runners are encouraged to recycle responsibly using the bins provided at each station, in line with the marathon’s sustainability initiatives.
What happens when I finish the race?
Each finisher receives a commemorative medal, t-shirt, and goody bag. The 2025 medal highlights Dublin landmarks including the Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, Wellington Monument, James Joyce, and Molly Malone.
Dublin Marathon road closures
What roads will be closed in Dublin on the day?
Major road closures will be in effect across Dublin on race day, with some streets closed from Friday to facilitate event setup. Key closures include Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Street, Mount Street, Leeson Street, Pembroke Street, and Northumberland Road.
Full details are available on the official marathon website.
