The Dublin Marathon is the largest marathon in the country with the 2024 event getting almost 18,000 finishers. The demand for places is huge and it sells out about a year in advance.
The organisers have just announced a major change in the entry system for the 2026 event.
In the past, there was a 48-hour window for previous participants to enter the race which gave them an advantage over potential first timers. This had the result that approximately 70% of entries in recent years have been claimed by previous participants.
That will be changed for the 2026 event and the 48 hour window for past participants will be scrapped. It will be replaced with a ballot which stays open for six days and more first timers will be allowed through.
Is it fair???... No matter what the organisers of the Dublin Marathon do, some people are going to be disappointed.
Previous participants who want to do the event again will now find it harder to get through. Some might feel that they should get preferential treatment on the basis that they supported the event over the years.
Some members of athletic clubs might feel they should be entitled to do it because it doubles up as the national marathon but unless they can get through under the 'Good for Age' category then many will be disappointed.
It will get easier for first timers to enter but even then, many won't get through.
Many will complain about the high entry fee but the reality is that the organisers could easily put the prices way up and let market forces control the demand.
2026 Entries... Applications for entry to the 2026 Irish Life Dublin Marathon via the ballot system will open for six days at 7 am on Wednesday, 12th November, and close at midnight on Monday, 17th November, at www.irishlifedublinmarathon.ie. Ballot results will be communicated to applicants on Tuesday, 25th November, and Wednesday, 26th November, with notifications released in batches over both days.
More info HERE
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