More than 22,500 entrants, including elite athletes, club runners, wheelchair participants and charity fundraisers, are taking part in this year’s Dublin Marathon.
A number of road closures and diversions have been implemented across the city ahead of the 44th edition of the event, which got under way at 8.45am and will finish any time up to 5pm.
Around 330,000 spectators are also expected to gather on the streets to watch the race.
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon starts on Leeson Street Lower and will be overseen by more than 200 volunteers on the route, which traverses Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park and around University College Dublin, ultimately finishing on Mount Street Upper.
And they’re off! The starting gun fired on the Dublin City Marathon @rtenews pic.twitter.com/uoIljlK1Wk
— Eleanor Burnhill (@ElMcM) October 26, 2025
Last year, a UCD study found the marathon had generated almost €24 million for the economy across hospitality, accommodation and local businesses.
This year, €9m is projected to be raised for more than 120 charities.
The first elite athletes are expected across the finish line around two hours after the race starts.
85 year-old Kevin Stynes will be given the Lord Mayor’s Medal
The Lord Mayor’s Medal will be presented at the start line to 85-year-old Kevin Stynes from Dublin in recognition of his participation in 42 marathons in a row and fundraising efforts for Down Syndrome Ireland.
Speaking about the award, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said Mr Sytnes “epitomises the true spirit” of the marathon.
“His lifelong dedication to supporting Down Syndrome Ireland through his marathon running is nothing short of inspirational,” he added.
Mary Nolan Hickey, the only woman to have run every marathon until last year, will present a new perpetual cup named in her honour to the winner of this year’s women’s elite race.
The new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is among those competing in the marathon.
He is forming a blue line in the race along with competitors from other forces including the PSNI and the NYPD.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly (centre) is pictured with other runners before the start of the marathon
Members of the Director of Public Prosecutions and 100 others with links to the emergency services are running.
Six runners from Dublin Fire Brigade are also competing in their full fire fighting gear, adding extra weight to what is an already gruelling race.
The race’s organisers have warned that there “may be some delays to public transport services” to facilitate the marathon, urging people to allow extra travel time.
The operator of the Luas service has said that there will be a “temporary partial closure” on its Red Line Service.
It said no tram will operate between Heuston Station and Connolly station from 8.45am to 10.45am, however, services will run between Tallaght/Saggart and Heuston during this period.
Dublin Bus said a number of diversions will be in place across several routes from early this morning.
Map of Dublin City Marathon route
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