The Dublin City Marathon is on Sunday, October 26th! Here’s what you need to know.
One of Ireland’s premier running events, attracting thousands of runners worldwide each October. Whether you’re tackling the full marathon distance or you’re coming to support a loved one, proper preparation makes all the difference. The race starts this Sunday at 08:45 but runners should plan to arrive 90 minutes beforehand.
For Runners: Essential Race Day Tips
1. Stick to What Your Body Knows
Race day is not the time for experiments. Keep everything familiar:
- Running shoes: Your runners should be well broken in from training runs
- Clothing: Test your race outfit at least once during training to avoid chafing
- Nutrition: Use only the gels and sports drinks you’ve practiced with
- Pacing: Stick to your planned pace, especially important on Dublin’s varied terrain
The excitement of running through Dublin to the Phoenix Park and towards Ballsbridge can tempt you to start too fast. Resist the urge and trust your training.
2. Prepare the Night Before
Take advantage of early packet collection if offered. The night before the race:
- Lay out your complete racing outfit
- Pin your race number to your top or singlet
- Attach your timing chip to your shoe
- Prep one liter of water or an isotonic drink
- Pack extra plasters and Vaseline
- Charge your running watch. We recommend the Garmin Fenix
- Set multiple alarms
These small steps save precious time and reduce morning stress.
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3. Dress for Dublin Weather
October in Dublin can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and add approximately 15 degrees to account for your body heat when running. Layer up with easily removable clothing like a tracksuit for the start.
Pack a complete change of warm, dry clothes for after the race. Your body temperature will drop after the race, and standing around in sweaty gear is miserable.
4. Arrive Early
The Dublin City Marathon attracts massive crowds. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your start time to allow for:
- Traffic and parking around the city center
- Final registration checks
- Long porta-potty queues (they’re always longer than you expect)
- Proper warm-up routine
- Bag drop
- Mental preparation
Public transport is highly recommended. The Luas and Dublin Bus provide excellent access to the start area.
5. Hydrate Properly
On race morning, drink 120-180ml of water every 30 minutes, finishing your last portion 30 minutes before the start.
Dublin’s water stations are typically well-stocked, but if you’re using sports drinks, make sure you’ve tested them during training. Don’t try the on-course drinks if you’re unsure how your body will react.
About Caffeine: A single cup of coffee one hour before the race can help with concentration and energy mobilization. However, don’t overdo it as caffeine can lead to dehydration and stomach issues.
6. Fuel Up
Your race day breakfast should match your practice during long training runs. Popular choices include:
- Porridge with honey
- Brown bread with peanut butter
- Wholemeal bagel
- Bananas
- A carb drink
- Black coffee
Eat at least 3 hours before the race to allow time for digestion. If you have a sensitive stomach, fuel up the night before with pasta or rice instead.
7. The Perfect Warm-Up
Begin your warm-up 30-40 minutes before the start:
30-40 Minutes Before
- Walk for 5 minutes
- Jog for 1-2 minutes
- Walk for 1-2 minutes
- Dynamic stretches (only if part of your training routine)
10-15 Minutes Before
- 5-10 short accelerations to race pace
- Walk for 3-5 minutes
5-10 Minutes Before
- Stay loose with gentle walking
- Chat with fellow runners
- Take deep breaths to calm nerves
Keep muscles relaxed to avoid early fatigue or injury.
8. Know the Dublin Course
The Dublin City Marathon route showcases the city’s landmarks. Key points to remember:
- The course is relatively flat but includes some gradual inclines
- Phoenix Park offers crowd-free running early on
- City centre crowds provide incredible energy around halfway
- The final stretch after the old RTE offices can feel long, so pace yourself
For Spectators: How to Support Your Runner
Supporting someone running the Dublin City Marathon is an experience in itself. Download the app here and track a runner. Here’s how to make it memorable for both of you.
Plan Your Viewing Spots
The marathon route allows multiple viewing opportunities. Popular spectator spots include:
- Phoenix Park (5-8km): Early encouragement when runners are fresh
- Chapelizod/Ballyfermot (10-12km): Less crowded, easier to spot your runner
- City Centre - Dame Street/College Green (18-20km): Electric atmosphere, though very crowded
- UCD Stillorgan Road (30-32km): Critical support when runners hit the wall
- Merrion Square (40km): Final push to the finish, expect crowds.
Use Dublin Bus or the Luas to hop between spots. The 39A and 145 buses are particularly useful for following the route. Be warned road closures make it hard to get from one spot to the next so pick your spot in advance.
For those travelling with us the following October Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday 26 October, there will be some changes to Luas services due to essential works and the @dublinmarathon . On Bank Holiday Monday 27 October, Luas will run Sunday Operating Hours and Frequency.… pic.twitter.com/PdFLFgladu
— Luas (@Luas) October 17, 2025
Make Yourself Visible
- Wear bright colors or make a distinctive sign
- Text your runner your exact location beforehand
- Stand on the outside of barriers for better visibility
- Hold signs high and call out loudly
Avoid last-minute location changes without communication.
Bring the Right Supplies
- Fully charged phone for tracking and photos
- Portable phone charger
- Warm clothing and waterproofs (it’s Ireland in October)
- Snacks and water for yourself
- Emergency supplies for your runner (plasters, pain relief, dry socks)
Track Your Runner
Use the official Dublin City Marathon app or website to track your runner’s progress in real time. This will help you position yourself at the right viewing spot at the right time.
What to Shout (and What Not to Shout)
Good encouragement:
- “You look strong!”
- “You’re doing brilliant!”
- Their name followed by “Come on!”
- “Nearly there!” (only when they actually are)
Avoid:
- “Only X kilometers to go!” (it’s never helpful)
- “You’re nearly finished!” (when they’re not)
- Comments about their pace or appearance
After the Finish
Meet your runner at the designated meeting point near Merrion Square. They’ll likely be:
- Exhausted and emotional
- Cold despite sweating
- Hungry and thirsty
- Unable to walk normally
Bring their warm clothes, food, and lots of patience. They might not be chatty immediately!
Race Day Morning: Final Checklist
Runners:
- Race number and timing chip
- Running shoes and outfit
- Watch/GPS device charged
- Nutrition (gels, energy chews), bring a few spares in case you drop one
- Phone and emergency contact details written on bib
- Vaseline for chafing prevention
- Post-race clothes and shoes
- Something warm and disposable to wear before the race e.g. a black bag
Spectators:
- Phone and charger
- Runner tracking details
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Camera
- Encouragement signs
- Meeting point details
The Dublin Spirit
What makes the Dublin City Marathon special is the incredible support from Dubliners. Residents come out in force, offering high-fives, sweets, and encouragement throughout the course.
For runners, soak in the atmosphere and thank the volunteers and supporters. For spectators, your cheers can make the difference between someone hitting the wall or finding their second wind. You can always recover later using a foam roller like this one
Final Thoughts
The Dublin City Marathon 2025 will be an unforgettable experience whether you’re running or supporting. Trust your training, embrace the atmosphere, and remember why you’re there.
To every runner: months of preparation have brought you to this moment. To every spectator: this is your victory lap!
Enjoy every step through our beautiful city. You’ve got this!