Last month, the organisers confirmed that all general entries for the event will be allocated through a ballot system from 2026 onwards, marking the first time this system was used.
They explained the shift as an effort to create “a fairer balance between past participants and first-time runners”.
The change means the 48-hour priority entry window, which previously allowed runners from the current year’s marathon to register early for the following year, will be discontinued.
Those who applied to secure a spot in Ireland’s largest marathon found out their fate on Tuesday and Wednesday, which resulted in many runners being left disappointed after missing out.
In a statement issued this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Dublin Marathon said: “With demand at its highest level ever, the Dublin Marathon organisers know some runners will be disappointed not to have received a place this time.”
“There will be additional opportunities to take part through refund and transfer windows later in the year, and charity places are available now for those who wish to secure their spot while supporting a great cause,” they added.
In a statement, they announced the record ballot demand and greater access for first-time runners next year.
It comes as more than 47,000 applications were received for the 2026 ballot, which marks the highest demand in the history of the event.
Out of this figure, only 17,200 people secured a place through the ballot, a spokesperson for the marathon said.
They added that this number came close to a 50:50 split between first-time marathoners and returning runners.
However, the number of general entry places remained consistent with 2025, they added, and it is only the allocation method that has changed.
The 48-hour priority entry window for returning runners in the previous editions resulted in around 70pc of places going to past participants, they said, which “reduced opportunities for first-time marathoners and for women, as returning runners have historically been predominantly male”.
“The new system delivers a more balanced and inclusive outcome, improving fairness for newcomers and supporting gender diversity with hundreds more women set to be on the start line in 2026, marking a positive step forward for representation across the field,” they added.
Meanwhile, the remaining places are allocated the same as in previous years, including charity entries, Good for Age entries, open for all runners who have achieved a qualifying marathon time within the last two years, elite athletes from Ireland and overseas under the event’s World Athletics elite road race status, sponsor and partner allocations, international sports tour operators, and community programmes designed to increase participation in underrepresented areas.
The race capacity, which will take place on Sunday, October 25, next year, stands at 22,500, which is agreed with statutory agencies to ensure safety, they said.
The refund window will be open from Wednesday, July 1, to Sunday, July 12, next year, while the transfer window will open on Wednesday, July 22, and close on Sunday, August 30.