Dublin Marathon organisers explain reason for turning down nearly 30,000 applicants for 2026

There was much frustration vented online by those who failed to secure a place in next year’s race, with many saying the vast majority of those they knew had also been unsuccessful, prompting calls for the race to offer details of its ballot system

Thu, 27 Nov, 2025 - 15:10

Cathal Dennehy

The Dublin Marathon has revealed that a record 47,000 applications were received for its 2026 race ballot, with a total of 17,200 places allocated through the system.

There was much frustration vented online on Tuesday by those who failed to secure a place in next year’s race, with many saying the vast majority of those they knew had also been unsuccessful, prompting calls for the race to offer details of its ballot system.