Dublin Marathon
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Elevation Gain
40m
Elevation Range
66m
Avg Temperature
50°F / 10°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A mostly flat loop course with gentle undulations and approximately 40m of total elevation gain, starting and finishing near Merrion Square at 18m. The course never exceeds 58m elevation, making it an excellent PB course. The defining feature is the long, flat, exposed Phoenix Park section in the first half, followed by rolling hills through the southern suburbs that arrive just as fatigue sets in.
Key Segments
City Centre to Phoenix Park
Terrain: Gently undulating city streets from 18m, dropping to 10m then climbing to 28m as you approach Phoenix Park
Challenge: The first 10km through the city centre will be crowded with 20,000+ runners. The energy is infectious and tempts you to go out fast.
Tactic: Practice patience. Avoid weaving. Settle into goal pace by km 5 and let the crowd thin naturally.
Phoenix Park Loop
Terrain: The flattest stretch of the course at 24-45m, wide open parkland roads
Challenge: Phoenix Park is flat and exposed — westerly winds are common in late October and there is little shelter. Fewer spectators than the city sections.
Tactic: This is where you settle into goal pace and lock in rhythm. Draft behind other runners if the wind is strong. Take the halfway mark in control.
Southern Suburbs Rolling Hills
Terrain: Rolling hills between 24-58m through Crumlin, Terenure, and Milltown. The course high point (58m) is near km 26-27.
Challenge: The most significant elevation changes arrive when fatigue begins to set in. The rolling terrain saps energy in ways a flat course does not.
Tactic: Shorten stride on uphills, maintain cadence. Do not chase pace — run by effort. Save energy for the flat final stretch.
Canal Return to Merrion Square
Terrain: Gradually descending from 38m to 18m through Ballsbridge and along the Grand Canal back to the city centre
Challenge: A few gentle rises around km 37-38 can feel much harder than they are on tired legs. The crowd support picks up dramatically in the final 5km.
Tactic: Let the crowd energy carry you. The final stretch through Dublin city centre is where disciplined early pacing pays off.
Race-Specific Training
- •Practice running in cool, wet, windy conditions — October in Dublin averages 8-14C with frequent rain and gusts, and the exposed Phoenix Park section demands mental toughness in poor weather
- •Include rolling terrain in your long runs to prepare for the southern suburbs hills (km 21-33) that arrive on tired legs
- •Do at least one 25km+ long run in rainy conditions to test your wet-weather shoes and clothing strategy
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Sea level city. Course ranges from 10m to 58m. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Late October. Typical race temps 8-14C (46-57F) with frequent rain and gusty winds.
Sun & Wind
Westerly winds common through the exposed Phoenix Park section. Overcast skies typical. Rain is likely — prepare for wet roads and puddles.
What to Wear
Light, breathable rain layer you can discard. Wear well-draining shoes tested in the rain. Do not overdress — you will warm up quickly.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | Goal pace or 3-5 sec/km slower | Crowded city start. Be patient, avoid weaving, settle in by km 5. |
| km 10-21 | Goal pace | Flat Phoenix Park. Lock in rhythm. Draft in the wind if needed. |
| km 21-33 | Effort-based, 5-10 sec/km slower on hills | Rolling southern suburbs. Run by effort on the hills. Do not force pace. |
| km 33-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Descending back toward city centre. Let the growing crowd energy carry you home. |
Race Day Tip
Dublin Marathon starts near Merrion Square with straightforward logistics. The late October date means you have a full summer and autumn to build fitness. Test your wet-weather gear during training — nothing new on race day, especially shoes.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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