The 2026 Dublin City Half Marathon Moves to May And to a Ballot

The Dublin City Half Marathon will return in 2026 with a new date and more importantly, a ballot entry system.

Following widespread frustration with last year’s registration process, where places were snapped up in record time, the organisers have opted for a fairer system to manage the intense demand. And in another major shift, the race will now take place on Sunday the 3rd of May 2026, moving away from the March timing last year.

Two things:

• Opens 7:00am, Friday 16th January 2026
• Closes Midnight, Thursday 22nd January 2026
• Results Issued Batches sent out between Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th January

Successful applicants will then be sent a link to complete payment and secure their spot.

📌 For full information on how the ballot works, visit:
👉 www.dublincityhalfmarathon.ie/latest-news

• Total capacity: 12,500
• Public ballot places: 11,200
• Reserved places: Allocated to charity partners, elite athletes, international tour operators, and community programmes

This cap has been agreed with statutory agencies to ensure a safe and high-quality race experience for everyone involved.

• Ballot Fee: €4 (+ platform and transaction fees)
• If you're unsuccessful, you'll be fully refunded
• If you're successful, the €4 is deducted from your final fee

• Entry Fee: €75 total
• After deduction: €71 payment required if selected
• Non-Athletics Ireland members: €2 one-day licence applies

What’s included:
✅ Official race t-shirt
✅ Finisher medal
✅ Race bib posted to your door

Organisers note that the entry fee reflects the scale and complexity of staging a major road race through Dublin’s city centre. a route that mirrors the scale of the Dublin Marathon itself, along with the extra admin required to run the ballot process.

The race is expected to follow a similar route to previous years, with a scenic city-centre start and a fast, mostly flat course through some of Dublin’s best-known roads. Organisers have yet to confirm exact course changes or start times, but we’ll update you as soon as they do.

With the race now in May, participants can enjoy longer evenings for training and a potentially brighter race day atmosphere, plus a bit of a break from the worst of Ireland’s late-winter weather.

If the Dublin City Half Marathon is on your hit list for 2026, set an alarm for January 16th and get your name in the draw. Ballots are never a guarantee, but at least this way, it’s a fairer shake for everyone.