Dublin Marathon back after 'very bleak' outlook

10 May 2022; Olympians Catherina McKiernan and Mick Clohisey are pictured at the launch of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon and Race Series, Runners’ Support Squad. This initiative will provide expert advice to runners including coaching guidance from Mick and Catherina to help runners to harness the power of support to achieve their goals. Entry is open for the Irish Life Dublin Race Series; 5 Mile, Fingal 10km, Frank Duffy 10-Mile and Half Marathon at IrishLifeDublinMarathon.ie. The Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday 30th October is sold out. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney has admitted the event faced a “very bleak” outlook before the arrival of Irish Life as title sponsor earlier this year.

The race will make its return in October for the first time since 2019 with a record field size of 25,000. The 2020 edition was cancelled in May of that year, while the 2021 edition went south last July, the logistical nightmare of a mass-participation event proving a bridge too far given the restrictions in place at the time.