Ireland isn’t just about emerald hills, ancient castles and cozy pubs. It is also an excellent destination for sports tourism. Every year more and more running enthusiasts from the UK and around the world travel here to combine their holidays with taking part in major sporting events.
Several major road events have been confirmed in Dublin: the Great Ireland Run/National 10K on April 12, 2026, the Irish Runner 5K on May 16, the Irish Runner 5 Mile on June 21 and the Irish Runner 10 Mile on July 19. The Irish Life Dublin Marathon will take place in autumn on October 25, 2026. If you’re planning a trip and want to add some excitement, we recommend checking out this Betfair review – an excellent resource for anyone interested in sports betting and platform overviews.
Beginning of spring: season opening in Phoenix Park
Spring in Ireland is the perfect time for running. The weather becomes milder, nature awakens and creates picturesque backdrops for competitions. One of the main events at the start of the season is traditionally the Great Ireland Run, which takes place on April 12, 2026. This 10-kilometer race attracts both professional athletes and amateurs. The route leads through the famous Phoenix Park in Dublin – one of the largest city parks in Europe. Participants walk past historical monuments, including the Irish President’s Residence (Áras an Uachtaráin) and the Pope’s Cross, and may even encounter herds of wild deer roaming freely through the park.
After launching in April, the Athletics Ireland Race Series will offer competitors the opportunity to test their limits over a shorter distance. The Irish Runner 5K will take place on May 16, 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for beginners to join the running community and for experienced runners to improve their speed over the five kilometer distance.
Summer challenges: Building the distance
The summer months in Ireland are rarely exhaustingly hot and are therefore pleasant for medium distance running. The racing series continues and offers participants a gradual increase in workload.
The Irish Runner 5 Mile (approx. 8 kilometers) will take place on June 21, 2026. This event serves as an excellent transition between short sprints and more serious distances. Just a month later, on July 19, 2026, the runners will face each other in the Irish Runner 10 Mile (approx. 16 kilometers). Participation in the full race series (5K, 5 miles and 10 miles) is a popular challenge among local and foreign athletes and allows systematic preparation for fall marathons and half marathons.
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Autumn Triumph: The Dublin Marathon
The highlight of the running season in Ireland is rightly considered to be the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, which will take place on October 25, 2026. It is the fifth largest marathon in Europe, known for its incredible atmosphere and spectator support over the entire 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers).
The marathon route takes you through the historic center of Dublin, picturesque suburbs and green parks. The course is considered relatively flat, making it attractive to those looking to achieve a personal best. Please note that due to the great popularity of the event, registration for the marathon takes place via a voting system. You must therefore plan your participation and submit an application in good time.
Summary table of the most important races in Dublin 2026
| Race name | Date | distance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Ireland Run / National 10K Run | April 12, 2026 | 10km | Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Irish runner 5K | May 16, 2026 | 5km | Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Irish runner 5 mile | June 21, 2026 | 5 miles (~8 km) | Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Irish runner 10 mile | July 19, 2026 | 10 miles (~16 km) | Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Irish Life Dublin Marathon | October 25, 2026 | 42.2km | Dublin (start in city center) |
Running tourism in Ireland is a unique opportunity to combine a passion for sport with exploring the rich culture and history of this amazing country. Whether you choose the spring 10K run at Phoenix Park or opt for the fall marathon, the memories of running on the Emerald Isle will stay with you for a long time.
