The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is set to overhaul its entry system from 2026, with organisers confirming that all general entries will now be allocated through a ballot.
The move marks one of the biggest structural changes in the event’s history and is aimed at creating what organisers described as “a fairer balance” between returning participants and newcomers. Around 70% of recent places have gone to repeat entrants, and the new system is expected to open up more opportunities for first-time marathoners.
Female participation will also be a focus, with organisers noting that women currently account for just 36% of the field each year.
No More Automatic or Priority Entry
The familiar 48 hour priority entry window, which allowed runners from the current year’s race to secure a guaranteed place for the following year, will no longer exist. That system has been discontinued, and everyone wishing to enter will now need to apply through the general ballot.
Organisers said previous participants will still have a fair chance to take part, as runners can indicate during the ballot application if they have competed in the Dublin Marathon at any point since 2016.
A separate early entry scheme for women who ran the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon is also being phased out. The organisers said they want to encourage higher female participation across the board, rather than through limited early access offers.
Reserved Categories Remain
Certain entry routes will remain outside the ballot. Elite athletes, Good for Age qualifiers, charity runners, community partners and sponsors will continue to have their own allocations.
Good for Age entry will still guarantee a place for runners who achieve the qualifying marathon standard within the past two years, based on verified times by age and gender. Charity entries will also remain an important route for participants raising money for good causes.
Transfer and Refund Options
Runners who miss out in the ballot will have further chances to gain entry through a transfer window and refund process, both of which will return unused places to circulation. The exact dates for these systems will be confirmed in 2026.
How the Ballot Works
Each ballot application will carry a €5 administration fee to cover processing and verification. If successful, this amount will be deducted from the full €110 entry fee, while unsuccessful applicants will not receive a refund. Only one ballot entry per person will be accepted.
The ballot will open at 7am on Wednesday 12 November and close at midnight on Monday 17 November at www.irishlifedublinmarathon.ie. Results will be issued in two batches on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November.