The Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025 is lining up to be another spectacular event on Sunday, October 26th. I ran this race in ten consecutive events starting in 2013. There were a couple of virtual events thrown in the mix as well (2020 and 2021), and at the end of the day I ran the course eight times. The Dublin Marathon is the national championship and draws a massive crowd from all over the world. It is one of my favourite events and well worth doing for every marathoner no matter your nationality.

What I Enjoy Most About The Dublin Marathon

I cut my teeth on marathon running back in 2013. In that first year I ran a very small Irish marathon in a village called Sixmilebridge. I followed that up with the Belfast marathon a few weeks later and hit the road for marathon number 3 later that summer in Cork City. Then, in October, I ran my first Dublin City Marathon. I was pretty much hooked after running my first three events, but Dublin took the marathon experience to another level. 

Over the years, the number of finishers has remained fairly consistent at between 14,000 and 18,000 but there has been a significant change in the organisation of the event. Up until 2019, entry to the race was first come, first served. In 2020, a lottery system was developed with a good for age option. Runners of previous events had preference, which allowed for streak runners like myself an easy path to entry. However, this did cause a lot of controversy. That said, it doesn't take away from the event as a whole. 

There is an amazing, friendly vibe about the race, even as early as the start line. I've never experienced anything short of friendly, supportive runners all wishing each other "good luck" in the starting pens. Throughout the course, the support is excellent.

As with most big marathon events, the start sees the majority of the congestion. For the most part, there is plenty of space to run. There are a couple of places to watch out for, these being the entry into and exit out of Phoenix Park. The gates can be a bottleneck, so be prepared and try to find some space to prevent the loss of momentum. When in Phoenix Park, it offers some nice scenery, if a little hilly. 

The Hard Parts of The Dublin Marathon

The course is fair. That's the best way to describe it. It's not a fast course like London, Berlin or Chicago, but it is fair. What it takes from you, it will give back. As I mentioned, Phoenix Park can be challenging, but it's not the worst hill you will have ever seen.

There is one section of the course that you will need to be prepared for. It is a rather long, sharp hill at mile 22. Known as the Dublin's Heartbreak Hill, it is located at Roebuck Road near the UCD campus. It drags and the worst aspect is where it is on the course. By mile 22, many marathoners are mining deep in the pain cave and the last thing they want is to trudge up a big hill. There is a water and nutrition station just before reaching this point which is at least something. 

The best part of reaching this point is that when reaching the top, there is less than four miles to go. It also means that there is a nice long stretch of downhill in order to get some recovery. There are huge crowds just willing the runners up the hill and the music is always loud offering some inspiration to reach the top.

It is a reminder, that hill training is important when training for Dublin. There is nothing easy about any marathon, but a hilly course requires hilly training. Neglect that aspect at your own peril.

 

The Finish Line at the Dublin Marathon

For me, it's about finish lines and Dublin is one of the best. The screaming crowds start drawing each runner towards the finish with about 1 mile to go. From there, every 100m or so it just gets louder and louder. The crowd is packed 10-deep and they are loud. I've got to see some friendly faces I know along this stretch year after year. It is always an emotional experience no matter how the first 25 miles went. This last mile is special. It is a long straightaway and you can see the clock ticking from a long way out. This offers the motivation to drive relentlessly towards that goal time. 

Once through the finish gantry, endless volunteers are there offering their support, congratulations, refreshments along with your medal and t-shirt. Remember to thank all of these generous people who love the sport, the city and the event. They are the real heroes of the day.

Details About the Dublin Marathon 2025

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon has a very unique Irish feel to it. The large field of runners is full of life come marathon morning. The Dublin Marathon start times begin at 8:40am,  kicking off with the wheelchair race. Wave 1 hits the road just 5 minutes later at 8:45am. Wave 2 is next at 9:05am, followed by Wave 3 at 9:25am. Leading from the back is Wave 4 going out at 9:45am.

Dublin City is always a vibrant and bustling city at any time of the year. However, as runners from all over the world begin to descend on The Fair City on Friday, October 24th, they take it over. That is because the expo opens at the RDS at noon until 6pm on Friday. It is also open from 9am until 7pm on Saturday. Keep in mind though, if you are getting there on Saturday evening, the cut-off to pick up your race bib is 6pm, so don't leave it until the last minute. 

As you will inevitably be taking in some of the sights and sounds of the city while there, you will notice the sheer numbers of runners. From alongside the quays to Phoenix Park you couldn't go two seconds without seeing a runner getting a last minute shakeout run in before the big event. By all means, take in some of the local craic, but save the best of it for the post marathon celebrations. This is when the real Dublin Experience comes to life.

I've spent many a long night with friends and family celebrating marathon finishes there. Each one a memorable time. 

2025 Dublin Marathon Transfer Window

Many events offer a transfer window and Dublin is following suit. If you have a place reserved via the lottery system for Dublin and are not able to take part, you can transfer to another runner between the dates July 24th and August 26th. I have several athlete's currently looking for a place in this year's event, so please let me know if this is relevant to you. Unfortunately good for age entries are non-transferable. 

2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon Coaching

If you have a place in the 2025 Dublin Marathon and want to make the most of your experience, schedule a free consultation call with me. We can discuss your goals and how I can help you achieve them. I'd love to help you get that elusive marathon PB and help you run one of the worlds best marathon experiences.