Dublin Marathon delivered a day of record participation, personal milestones and emotional celebrations on Sunday as 19,190 runners took to the capital’s streets. Thousands of spectators braved cold, windy conditions to cheer on family members, friends and strangers completing the 42.2km course.
The 2026 event became the largest Dublin Marathon in the race’s history. Ethiopia’s Abay Alemu Lesa won the men’s race in 2:10:28, while Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa claimed the women’s title in 2:24:26.
Dublin Marathon reaches record field
Runners travelled through Dublin as crowds gathered along the route with flags, posters and bells. Many supporters waited at key points to encourage competitors before meeting them at the finish area on Mount Street Upper.
For most participants, the race lasted more than three hours. The difficult weather added to the challenge, with strong winds and low temperatures affecting runners during the long course.
- 19,190 runners took part, a record for the event.
- The course covered 42.2km through Dublin.
- Abay Alemu Lesa won the men’s race in 2:10:28.
- Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa won the women’s race in 2:24:26.
- The finish area was located at Mount Street Upper.
Personal stories define Dublin Marathon day
Chris Connolly marks a recovery milestone
Among the finishers was Dublin runner Chris Connolly, known online as Get Better With Chris. Connolly has documented his recovery from addiction and his running journey on social media.
Spectators called out his name as he spoke after completing the race in three hours and 10 minutes. He said the support had been deeply meaningful and that he hoped his experience would encourage people to move away from difficult periods in their lives.
Connolly had completed an extraordinary endurance challenge only two weeks earlier, running the length of Spain—around 1,400km. Compared with that effort, he described completing one marathon as a welcome change, despite developing blisters during the race.
Mother and son compete for family bragging rights
Jean Coleman, from Galway, completed her 20th marathon alongside her son, Seán Ryan. The 61-year-old described this year’s race as particularly demanding but achieved a personal best and received a silver medal in her age category.
The race also continued a friendly family rivalry. Coleman had beaten her son by seven minutes the previous year, but Ryan reversed the result in 2026, finishing nine minutes ahead. Their family gathered in Ballsbridge to support them, with pizza and a glass of wine planned for the celebrations.
Long-standing friends support each other
Dublin friends Jenny Keegan and Nicola Brennan, who have known each other for more than two decades, completed their second marathon together. Both women said the course was tougher than expected.
Brennan helped keep Keegan moving during the race, while seeing their children at approximately the 27km point gave both runners an important boost. Their shared motivation was simple: they were completing the marathon “for the mammies”.
Friends honour a father through fundraising run
A group of friends from County Meath gathered to support Ben Cranley, who was running for Breakthrough Cancer Research in memory of his father, JP, who died last year.
Eamonn Yeates, Luke O’Halloran, James Kealy and Cillian Kelly wore white T-shirts featuring Cranley’s face and carried signs as they waited for him around the course. They supported him at several locations, including near Chapelizod at the 15km mark, where they said he was running strongly.
Cranley had raised €13,000 for the charity. His friends said the loss of his father had motivated him to take on the challenge and create a lasting tribute.
The group planned to surprise him after the finish with an overnight hotel stay and dinner before celebrating late into the night.
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Why the Dublin Marathon matters
The event is more than a major sporting fixture. It brings together elite athletes, first-time marathoners, charity fundraisers, families and lifelong friends across one of Ireland’s biggest public celebrations.
The record field also highlights the continuing appeal of long-distance running in Ireland. Participants arrive with different goals: securing a personal best, completing a first marathon, supporting a cause or sharing an achievement with people close to them.
For spectators, the day creates its own community atmosphere. Crowds line the streets, runners receive encouragement from people they may never have met, and finishers reunite with supporters after hours on the course.
What happens next for runners?
After crossing the finish line, competitors will focus on recovery from the demanding race. Rest, rehydration, food and medical attention where necessary are especially important after running in cold and windy conditions.
For many, the next step will be reviewing their times and deciding whether to return for another Dublin Marathon. Others will turn their attention to fundraising totals, post-race celebrations or simply enjoying a well-earned break.
Frequently asked questions
How many runners took part in the 2026 Dublin Marathon?
A record 19,190 participants took part in the 2026 Dublin Marathon.
Who won the Dublin Marathon?
Abay Alemu Lesa of Ethiopia won the men’s race in 2:10:28. Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa, also from Ethiopia, won the women’s race in 2:24:26.
Where did the marathon finish?
The finish area was at Mount Street Upper in Dublin.
What charities were supported?
Ben Cranley ran to raise funds for Breakthrough Cancer Research in memory of his father, JP. He had raised €13,000 at the time of the event.
Conclusion
The 2026 Dublin Marathon combined record numbers with deeply personal stories of recovery, family rivalry, friendship and remembrance. While the elite winners set the fastest times, the day’s wider success was measured in thousands of finishers, cheering crowds and causes supported across Ireland. The clearest takeaway from this Breaking News story is that Dublin’s marathon remains both a major sporting event and a powerful celebration of community.