Get Ready: The Dublin Marathon Race Series Will Open For Entries Very Soon

If the Dublin Marathon is on your calendar this year, the next few weeks matter.

The Dublin Marathon Race Series is expected to open for entries very soon, and when it does, places are unlikely to last long. For many runners, particularly first timers, these races form the backbone of a marathon build.

For many first timers and DCM veterrans, are not just warm up events, they are part of the tradition.

The series is made up of three races spread across the summer and early autumn:]

• Fingal 10K
• Frank Duffy 10 Mile
• Dublin Half Marathon

Each race can be entered individually, or runners can opt for a bundled series entry, which typically offers better value.

The timing of the series mirrors the natural progression of a marathon build.

A 10K in July arrives when fitness is beginning to settle. A 10 mile race in August provides a genuine confidence check. A half marathon in September acts as the final long test before tapering begins.

For runners targeting the Dublin Marathon, especially those doing it for the first time, these races offer structure and reassurance at exactly the right moments.

Two of the three races take place largely within Phoenix Park, which is a major part of their appeal.

Both the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Dublin Half Marathon cover roads that feature prominently in the marathon itself. By the time October arrives, those miles feel familiar rather than daunting.

The Fingal 10K, held in north Dublin near the airport, offers a different test. It is typically faster and flatter, making it a popular early season target in its own right.

Nothing has been confirmed by the organisers at the time of writing. However, based on long standing scheduling patterns and how the races traditionally align with marathon training cycles, the most likely dates for 2026 are:

Fingal 10K – Sunday 19th July 2026
Frank Duffy 10 Mile – Saturday 15th August 2026
Dublin Half Marathon – Sunday 20th September 2026

These dates are projections only and have not yet been officially confirmed.

Entry Options And Pricing

Runners can usually enter each race individually or choose a bundle package covering all three events, which typically comes at a reduced overall cost. Based on last year’s pricing, entry fees were approximately:

Fingal 10K – €29
Frank Duffy 10 Mile – €37.50
Dublin Half Marathon – €47.50
Three race bundle – €99 (ex eventmaster fee)

It is worth noting that prices were increased ahead of last year’s series after remaining unchanged for several seasons following COVID disruptions. While nothing has been confirmed for the upcoming edition, that context may suggest pricing is likely to remain broadly in line with last year’s levels rather than seeing another immediate jump.

When Will Entries Open for this Year?

There has been no official announcement yet.

Prior to 2025 entries opened in January, last year they did not open until February 19th, very little notice. Therefore on the balance of probability it is very likely entries will open in the next few weeks.

While these races are not balloted, they do sell out quickly.

If you are travelling, booking accommodation, or planning annual leave around marathon season, now is the time to have a provisional plan in place so you can move quickly when entries go live.

Conclusion

What sets these races apart is scale, atmosphere, and shared momentum. For many runners, the marathon journey begins here, not on race morning in October.

If Dublin is on your horizon this year, keep a close eye on entry announcements. When the series opens, hesitation usually means missing out.