Ireland marathon guide 2023

 How long is a marathon?

A standard marathon is 26.2 miles, or 42km. While the distance might seem intimidating, it’s a runnable distance if you commit to a healthy training schedule and take it at your own pace. Other races such as ultra-marathons are also classed as ‘marathons’ but usually are between 50 miles to 200 miles. Time limit marathons are usually traditional marathon length but have a time limit of six hours. 

How to fundraise when running a marathon

Marathons are a brilliant way to raise money for a good cause. Events like the Dublin Marathon have thousands of people running for charity every year, and most events have the option for charity places along with the usual ballot. Why not get a team together and start your training? 

Once you’ve entered a marathon, you can start a GoFundMe and start sharing so people can donate.

We’ve got a guide to tell you more on fundraising and running here.

Create your own fundraiser

So you’ve chosen your run, bought your trainers and started pounding the pavements. Don’t forget to start a GoFundMe in plenty of time so you can get donations for your good cause. By starting a GoFundMe, you can run for pretty much any cause – it doesn’t just have to be a charity.

Secure a charity entry

Alongside the regular ballot for marathons, most races have the option to enter via a charity place as well. To do this you have to contact the charity directly and there will usually be an amount you need to raise for them to run. But this doesn’t mean you can’t set up a GoFundMe alongside this, too.

Ireland marathon list 2023

We’ve compiled a list of Irish marathons in 2023 – so if you want a challenge close to home or to use it as an opportunity to explore the country, you can do. There’s a range of challenges, from coastal runs to the iconic Dublin Marathon.

March

March is a key season for marathons – not too cold and starting to get better weather wise for peak running conditions. You can take part in the Rock and Road Marathon on April 4, which takes place in Kinvara, Co Galway. The Tralee Marathon is on March 18 and March 25 sees The Ros Run, where runners can take in the beauty of Roscommons. 

April

April continues to be a good month to aim for if you’re looking to run a marathon in the coming year. There’s both the Connemara Marathon and The Great Limerick Run, taking place on the 23rd and 30th of April respectively.

May

If you fancy taking on a marathon during the spring sunshine of May (hopefully) then there are several to choose from. On May 20, the Glendalough Lap of the Gap Marathon is happening. The scenic route has ‘plenty of ups and downs’ making for a great challenge if that’s what you’re looking for. May 21st sees the Donegal Wild Atlantic Way Marathon and May 27th both the 

Clare Burren Marathon Challenge and the Lough Cutra Castle Marathon.

June

As it starts to get hotter in June, it could be more challenging to take on a marathon during these months and it’s important especially as a beginner to know your limits. But you still can enter in the summer, with the Cork City Marathon on June 4, Portumna Forest Marathon on June 10 and Waterford Viking Marathon on June 25.

July

The Dublin Mountain marathon will be held on 15 July

September

September sees the arrival of autumn and cooler temperatures more conducive to running. At the start of the month, there’s the Dingle Marathon and Mourne Mountain Marathon on September 16th and 17th – it’s a competitive event for teams of two. 

October

And then in October there’s the iconic Dublin Marathon – Ireland’s largest marathon. Guaranteed a great atmosphere as you run and take in the sights of Dublin. It takes place on October 29. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Sign up and start fundraising today. It’s safe, fast and easy..