Dublin marathon: Family rivalry, lengthy friendships and a group of lads ready to go ‘wild’

The 45th Irish Life Dublin Marathon commenced today, attracting over 22,000 participants comprising elite athletes, wheelchair users, and charity fundraisers. Approximately as many spectators are anticipated to line the route through the city centre and suburbs. The marathon featured several road closures and diversions throughout the capital.

The official event commenced just after 8am, with the Dublin Lord Mayor Daryl Barron presenting medals. A Cavan resident, Brenda O’Keefe, who has completed more than 600 marathons despite battling an incurable cancer, would receive the Lord Mayor’s Medal at the start line on Leeson Street. Participants were split into five waves, starting from 8.40am, with wheelchair athletes finishing at Pepper Cannister Church just after 10.30am.

The elite runners commenced at 8.45am, followed by the remaining waves until 9.45am. The strenuous 26.2-mile course initiated at Leeson Street, meandering through the historic Liberties, entered the Phoenix Park at the 6K mark, and continued through Chapelizod, Inchicore, and Terenure. The final 10km traversed Milltown Road and Clonskeagh via a hilly route and the notorious downhill stretch along Fosters Avenue.

The course then meandered along the N11 via Nutley Lane and along Merrion Road, passing the RDS before arriving at the finish line at Pepper Cannister Church. The marathon lasted for seven hours with notable road closures on the course and in and around the start and finish points. Transport Ireland advised public transport users to be mindful of the disruptions, while Irish Rail warned of a Dart service between Grand Canal Dock and Bray due to extensive works.