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

A view of runners at the starting line of the 2025 Dublin Marathon. Pic: Bryan Keane/Inpho

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.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the Dublin Marathon said that “while the number of general entry places remains consistent with 2025, the allocation method has changed. Previously, a 48-hour priority entry window for returning runners resulted in approximately 70% of places going to past participants, 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.” 

The race will again be capped at 22,500 participants, which was “agreed with statutory agencies to ensure safety and a high-quality participant experience,” and the majority of those were allocated via the ballot this week with “close to a 50:50 split between first-time marathoners and returning runners” among the successful applicants.

The Dublin Marathon stated that the remaining places are “allocated as in previous years, including charity entries which collectively help raise an estimated €9 million annually for good causes; Good for Age entries, which are open to all runners who have achieved a qualifying marathon time within the last two years (though this category is largely represented by athletics club runners), 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.

“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.” 

The refund window will be open from July 1-12 while the transfer window will open on July 22 and close on August 30.