Everything You Need To Know About The Fingal 10K

Entries for the Dublin Race Series open on Monday February 23rd, which means you have six days to decide how serious you are about your summer running.

For most people, the gateway race is the Fingal 10K. It is sharp, well organised, and big enough to feel like an occasion without swallowing your entire summer.

Here is what you need to know:

The Basics

Race: Irish Life Fingal 10K
Location: Swords, County Dublin
Date: Sunday, July 12th 2026
Start Time: 9:30am
Distance: 10 KM

The Fingal 10K sits as the first stepping stone in the Dublin Marathon Race Series, followed by the Frank Duffy 10 Mile in August and then the Dublin Half Marathon in September. It is the logical starting point for anyone building towards October, but it also stands perfectly well on its own.

A Bit Of History

The race was introduced in 2012 as part of the expansion of the Dublin Race Series beyond the Phoenix Park. From the outset it attracted serious numbers and brought a major race day feel to Swords.

Over the years it has become one of the most popular 10Ks in Leinster. Club runners treat it as a proper race. Marathon trainees treat it as a checkpoint. Plenty of others treat it as their one big event of the summer.

Where It Fits In The Race Series

If you are training for the Dublin Marathon, this race is controlled homework.

Ten kilometres is long enough to test your pacing and fitness without wrecking your training block. It also forces a bit of honesty. You cannot bluff a 10K. Go out too hard and it will remind you quickly.

If you are not marathon training, it is still an ideal standalone target. You can prepare properly for it in eight to ten weeks without turning your life upside down.

Entry Fee

As previously stated, entries open on Monday February 23rd, along with the other races in the race series.

Last year, the Fingal 10K entry fee was €29, following an increase from the previous season. That figure gives a reasonable guide for what runners might expect in 2026.

There has been no confirmation yet on this year’s pricing. You would hope it will not rise again two years in a row, but until the organisers publish the 2026 fee structure, nothing can be guaranteed.

As with any popular Race Series event, places are limited. If pricing remains in or around last year’s level, it represents strong value for a fully organised, chip timed city race of this scale.

The Course

The route is based around Swords and has varied slightly over the years, but the feel remains consistent.
It uses wide main roads and longer straighter sections, with the start and finish area in recent editions centred around the Balheary side of town. It is not dead flat, but it is far from brutal.

Pacers

Pacers are typically available for 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes.
If pacing discipline is not your strongest trait, sticking with a group early can save you from a world of regret later on.

What You Get For Your Entry

In line with the Dublin Race Series model, the Fingal 10K finish line offering is simple:

Official race T shirt
Goodie bag

The Race Series has long leaned into strong technical T shirts rather than heavy finishers’ medals for the shorter distances. If that changes for 2026, the organisers will confirm it closer to race day.

The Practical Bits

Race numbers are posted in advance, usually around ten days before race day. Lose it and you will pay for a replacement.
Timing is chip based and attached to your bib.

Parking has previously been facilitated around the Pavilions area, with road closures in place along parts of the route.

Arrive early. Expect traffic management. Plan like an adult.Buggies are not permitted.

Conclusion

Entries open in six days.

If you are even half considering the Frank Duffy 10 Mile or the Dublin Half Marathon later in the summer, the Fingal 10K on Sunday, 12 July 2026 is the natural starting line.

Get the entry in. See where your fitness actually is. Then decide how ambitious you want to be for the rest of the series (if they're not already sold out).

Images: Courtesy of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon & Crusaders Athletics Club