Read the edition labels
The current race date is 2027-10-24. This detailed section retains the edition labels on its source material. Treat older route, timetable, weather and training-calendar details as historical examples; the current race update and final participant instructions take precedence.
Dublin-specific training priorities
The 2026 race is Sunday, October 25. The first runner wave starts at 8:45, and the official course limit is seven hours after the final starter crosses the line.
Build the generic marathon plan around three Dublin requirements:
- Late-course strength: include rolling long runs and controlled downhill running; the final 10K contains meaningful climbs.
- Even early effort: rehearse a deliberately conservative first 10K so the city-course atmosphere does not pull you ahead of plan.
- Wet-weather readiness: practice one reliable layer, sock, and anti-chafe setup before taper rather than reacting to the forecast at the expo.
Keep the selected plan’s start-by date below as the anchor. If you are already late, do not compress missed weeks—use only a block whose workload already matches your recent training, or select a later race.
Choose a plan length
-
16 weeks: best if you already have consistent running volume and you recover well.
-
20 weeks: best for most runners who want more gradual build and fewer risky spikes.
-
24 weeks: best if you’re returning from time off, building durability, or you want more room for cutbacks.
Start-by dates for Irish Life Dublin Marathon
- 14 weeks: start by 2026-07-19 → open plan
- 15 weeks: start by 2026-07-12 → open plan
- 16 weeks: start by 2026-07-05 → open plan
- 18 weeks: start by 2026-06-21 → open plan
- 20 weeks: start by 2026-06-07 → open plan
- 24 weeks: start by 2026-05-10 → open plan
Weekly structure (what matters)
-
Keep easy runs easy so workouts are high quality.
-
Practice fueling in long runs early.
-
Don’t stack intensity: one workout + one long run is enough for most.
-
Taper 2–3 weeks so you arrive fresh.
Tools
Back to the athlete guide.
How to use this guide
- Confirm the race date and official logistics.
- Choose a realistic training plan length (16–24 weeks is common).
- Practice fueling and pacing in long runs.
- Keep race week simple: tested shoes, tested gels, conservative start.
Verification reminder
Race details change between editions (dates move, routes get rerouted, and registration rules update). Use this page as a starting point, then confirm time-sensitive details on the official site close to race day.