The new general ballot entry system for the Irish Life Dublin City Marathon has delivered a close to equal balance between first-time and returning athletes, as well as an increase the number of women entering, organisers have said.
For the 2026 event, the 48-hour priority-entry window, which allowed returning runners to secure places ahead of the general ballot, was removed.
This priority entry previously resulted in approximately 70% of general entries going to past participants, organisers said, and reduced opportunities for first-time competitors and women, as returning participants were historically predominantly male.
The new open ballot has "delivered a significant and intentional shift toward a fairer and more inclusive entry process," organisers said.
On 25 October next, women will make up 39% of the general ballot field, an increase on previous years and "marking progress that will continue to build year on year".
The marathon has a capacity of approximately 22,500 runners and the 2026 ballot received the highest number of applications in the event's history.
A total of 7% of the general ballot consists of international entrants, while 15% of the overall field is being reserved for charity entrants, in line with previous years.
There was as non-refundable €5 fee to enter the 2026 ballot, which organisers said was clearly outlined as part of the application process.
This "covered the administrative and system costs associated with running a large-scale ballot".
The €5 fee is deducted from the final entry fee for successful applicants.
