The 2026 Irish Life Dublin Marathon will be broadcast live and free-to-air on TG4 this October, bringing the action, atmosphere and stories of one of Ireland’s biggest participation sporting events to audiences across the country with viewers worldwide also able to follow the event live via the TG4 Player.
Taking place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, the sold-out 45th Irish Life Dublin Marathon has 22,500 registered participants, with runners taking to the streets of the capital on race day, supported by thousands of volunteers and spectators along the route.
TG4’s live coverage will begin at 8.00am, capturing the build-up to the race before following the action as it unfolds across Dublin.
The live broadcast is part of a significant investment by Dublin Marathon Group in the continued development of the event and, through its partnership with TG4, it will significantly increase the reach of marathon day, giving supporters across Ireland and the global running community the opportunity to experience the event live.
Coverage will showcase the elite competition at the front of the field alongside thousands of participants of all abilities taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. Bringing viewers closer to the people, places and stories at the heart of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, the live broadcast will capture the atmosphere and sense of celebration that has made marathon day one of Ireland’s great sporting and cultural occasions.
Gráinne McElwain will present TG4’s live coverage, joined in studio by former international athletes Rory Chesser and Mary Cullen, with commentary from Ronan Duggan and Olympian Michelle Finn.
Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill will be out on the course, capturing the atmosphere and meeting participants and supporters as the Marathon makes its way through Dublin.
The programme will combine live race coverage with stories from across the field, from leading athletes competing for honours to first-time marathon runners, charity fundraisers and participants pursuing their own personal goals. The live coverage will be produced by Future Proof Media.
Seán Ó Ríain, CEO of Dublin Marathon Group, said:
“Bringing the Irish Life Dublin Marathon live and free-to-air has been an important ambition for us, and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with TG4 to make that happen in 2026.
“For Dublin Marathon Group, this is a significant investment in the event and in how we bring marathon day to more people. We want to continue investing in ways that enhance the experience for runners, supporters and the wider community, while also growing the profile and reach of the Dublin Marathon at home and internationally."
"As we celebrate the 45th running and look towards the 50th Dublin Marathon, this partnership with TG4 is another important step in how we continue to develop the event for the years ahead.”
Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, Head of Sport at TG4, said:
“We are delighted to bring the Irish Life Dublin Marathon live and free-to-air to audiences across Ireland and worldwide for the first time on TG4. The Dublin Marathon has established itself as one of the great occasions in the Irish sporting calendar, bringing together elite athletes, thousands of participants and supporters from across the country and beyond."
“At TG4, we are committed to bringing major live sporting events to the widest possible audience, and this broadcast will allow us to capture not only the racing at the front of the field, but also the colour, atmosphere and personal stories that make the Dublin Marathon such a special event. We are also delighted that, through the TG4 Player, audiences around the world will have the opportunity to follow the action live from Dublin.”
The 2026 event marks the 45th running of the Dublin Marathon, which was first staged in 1980.
Image: Sportsfile
