Decision to move Dublin Marathon Expo out of RDS 'not made lightly'

Organisers said the decision was made after a review of both “logistical challenges” and feedback from participants.

This year's Dublin Marathon takes place on October 26th with the Expo being held on the two days beforehand. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

This year’s Dublin Marathon Expo will be held at the National Show Centre in north Dublin rather than the RDS. The Ballsbridge venue had been the usual host for the pre-marathon event, which runners must attend to collect their race numbers and packs. Vendors selling running gear also attend. October 26th is the date for this year’s race with the Expo taking place on the two days beforehand.

The move was announced to participants in an email on Tuesday morning. Organisers said the decision was “not made lightly”. It has come following a review of both feedback from participants and “logistical challenges”, including parking and accessibility issues at the RDS.

The new venue is, according to organisers, “conveniently located” in Cloghran, near Dublin Airport and is “easily accessible and well-served by multiple bus routes.” 

A shuttle bus service will operate from Malahide Dart Station to the National Show Centre on both days. However, line works are scheduled between Clontarf and Drogheda on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend, which will limit the usefulness of the service.

“We understand that changes to a long-standing event can cause disruption for some, particularly those who had expected the expo to remain in the city centre. The decision to change venue was not made lightly,” the Dublin Marathon organisers explained in a statement issued to the Irish Examiner.

“Over the past year, we have carefully reviewed participant feedback and logistical challenges. One recurring issue was the difficulty many faced with accessibility and parking at the previous venue.

“The Swords National Show Centre was selected due to its significantly improved transport links—including proximity to the M1/M50, Dublin Airport, and major bus routes—as well as its availability of free, on-site parking for attendees.

“We also recognise that with more people now working remotely, a venue outside the city centre offers greater convenience for many travelling from across Ireland.

“We will take feedback from our participants and it will form part of the plans for 2026.” 

Organisers said they “understand the appeal” of race numbers being delivered by post, but “for operational and logistical reasons, the Expo continues to be the most effective and secure method for race number and pack collection.”