Dublin Marathon 2026

Date & Time

Start: Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 08:45

End: Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 13:30

Location

Leeson Street , Dublin

Race Route

Distance: 42.63 km • Elevation Gain: 179 m

Description

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 Pepper Canister Church, where supporters gather to cheer runners home.