Everything You Need to Know About the Dublin Marathon 2025
Your complete guide for The Irish Life Dublin Marathon
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is one of Ireland’s biggest sporting events, a day filled with atmosphere, community spirit, and unforgettable moments on the streets of Dublin. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, here’s everything you need to know ahead of race day, Sunday 26th October 2025.
Key Event Details
· Date: Sunday, 26th October 2025
· Start Line: Fitzwilliam Street Upper / Leeson Street Lower, Dublin 2
· Finish Line: Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2
· Official Start Time: 8:45 a.m.
And don’t forget, the clocks go back one hour at 2 a.m. that morning! Whether you use it for an extra hour of sleep or an extra cup of coffee, you’ll be grateful for the extra time.
Start Waves & Timings
The Dublin Marathon has four wave starts, based on projected finish times:
· Wave 1: 8:45 a.m.
· Wave 2: 9:05 a.m.
· Wave 3: 9:25 a.m.
· Wave 4: 9:45 a.m.
Each runner’s bib includes their wave and colour, so be sure to enter the correct zone on the morning.
Getting There from The Mercantile Hotel
The Mercantile Hotel (Dame Street, Dublin 2) is in the heart of the city, perfectly positioned for the marathon weekend.
To the Start Line
· It’s just a 20-minute walk to the start area on Leeson Street Lower.
· Leave early, around 7:30 a.m., to account for crowd control and road closures.
· You can also take the Luas Green Line to St Stephen’s Green or grab a short taxi if preferred.
To the Expo (for Bib Collection)
· Held at the National Show Centre, near Dublin Airport.
· Expo Hours:
o Friday, 24 Oct: 12:00 – 19:00
o Saturday, 25 Oct: 09:00 – 18:00
· Travel time from the hotel: 30 – 40 minutes by taxi or bus.
· Bring photo ID and your registration confirmation email to collect your race pack.
Bag Drop & Event Rules
· The official clear plastic bag (given at the Expo) must be used for baggage.
· Bag drop: Merrion Square South (close to the finish area).
· No valuables, organisers are not responsible for loss or damage.
· Race bibs must be visible on your front at all times.
· You must run under your own name, no bib swapping allowed.
· If you drop out, move to the side and inform a marshal or sweep vehicle.
How Flat Is the Dublin Marathon Course?
The Dublin Marathon is a mostly flat and fast course, making it ideal for first-timers and runners chasing personal bests.
· Elevation gain: ~208 metres total
· Gentle rolling hills through Phoenix Park
· A long, steady climb at mile 21, followed by the famous “Heartbreak Hill”, the toughest part of the course.
· Once you crest the hill, it’s downhill and flat all the way to Mount Street!
Tip: Train for that late-race hill, it’s short but energy-sapping if you’re unprepared.
Pre-race advice: In the two days before the marathon, keep your body warm and relaxed. Light stretching, gentle mobility work, and staying comfortably layered will help keep your muscles loose and your energy strong for race day.
Aid Stations Along the Course
There are seven main aid station types along the route, stocked with hydration, energy gels, and first aid support.
Water Stations: Mile 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24
Lucozade Sport Drink Stations: Mile 9, 13, 19, 22
High5 Gel Stations: Mile 16, 21
Toilet Stations: Mile 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24
First Aid Stations: Mile 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24
Course Timing & Cut-Off
The marathon course is open for seven hours, beginning once the last wave crosses the start line.
After this time, participants will be asked to move to the footpath to allow the roads to reopen. Don’t worry, you can still finish, but you’ll be sharing space with pedestrians and traffic from that point onward.
Tracking Family & Friends
Yes, you can absolutely track your favourite runners! A live tracker will be available on the official Dublin Marathon App, which provides real-time updates and split times.
The link will also be shared on the event’s social media channels and website closer to race day.
Do I Need a Qualifying Time?
No, a qualifying time is not required to enter the Dublin Marathon.
The only exception is for AAI-registered runners applying via the Good For Age entry category in May. Results from the 2023 or 2024 Dublin Marathons can be used to qualify under that standard.
Is the Dublin Marathon Open to Walkers?
Yes! The Dublin Marathon welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers.
Just be mindful of the seven-hour course limit. After that, you’ll need to continue on the footpath. Walkers are encouraged to start in the final wave (Wave 4 at 9:45 a.m.).
Spectator Tips & Viewing Spots
Cheering helps more than you think! Here are the best places to catch the action:
1. Phoenix Park (Miles 5 – 9) Wide open, scenic, and quieter for early support.
2. Christchurch & Dame Street (Miles 2–3) Perfect for an early morning cheer close to the hotel.
3. Chapelizod & Inchicore (Miles 10–13) Less crowded mid-race section, great visibility.
4. Merrion Square / Mount Street (Finish) The ultimate atmosphere; emotional and electric.
Spectator Advice:
- Use public transport, as many roads will be closed.
Bring warm clothes, signs, and snacks.
Download the official app to follow the runner’s progress.
Meet your runner after the finish near Merrion Square or head back to The Mercantile for a celebratory pint!
The Dublin Marathon captures the best of the city’s energy and spirit. Whether you’re running your first marathon or your fifteenth, you’ll feel the warmth of Dublin’s people every step of the way.
At The Mercantile Hotel, we’re here to make your weekend effortless, from comfortable rooms and hearty breakfasts to the perfect location for soaking up all the race-day excitement.
Here’s to new personal bests, loud cheers, and that unbeatable Dublin energy.
Good luck, runners, we’ll see you at the finish line!
Book your stay at The Mercantile Hotel here.
Book Your Post Marathon Dining
- 1. The Mercantile Restaurant – Book a Table
2. Pichet – Book a Table
3. Café en Seine – Book a Table
4. NoLIta – Book a Table
5. Opium – Book a Table
