The Dublin Half Marathon 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Dublin Half Marathon 2025 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting events for runners in Ireland. Taking place on Sunday, March 30th, this new half marathon race brings participants right into the heart of Dublin, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. 

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the route and race-day essentials to training tips and how to fuel your run. Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable day on the streets of Dublin.

When is the Dublin Half Marathon on?

The Dublin Half Marathon 2025 is hosted by the team behind the Irish Life Dublin Marathon in collaboration with Dublin City Council, ensuring the same high standards and attention to detail runners have come to expect from the city’s annual full marathon. The new half marathon race kicks off on Sunday, March 30th at 8:30 AM on O’Connell Street, right in the heart of the city. The course will guide participants north of Dublin before bringing them back to the city center for the finish.

The entry fee for the race is €68, which includes a finisher’s t-shirt, medal, and postage of your race number. However, entries are now sold out, proving just how popular this event is in its first year! If you missed your chance to register, keep an eye on the event’s official website for future updates.

The Dublin City Half Marathon Route

When it comes to elevation, the course of the marathon offers a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines. While the majority of the route is manageable for most fitness levels, runners should be prepared for a few gradual hills, particularly in the northern stretches of the course. Training on varied terrain will be key to conquering the course with confidence.

Training for the Dublin Half Marathon 2025 

Preparing for any marathon takes time, consistency, and the right approach. A solid training plan is essential.

Start by giving yourself enough time, 12 weeks is ideal for most runners. While you’re training, focus on building endurance with weekly long runs, gradually increasing your distance each week to mimic race-day conditions. For example, if you’re new to running, start with shorter distances and aim to complete at least one 16-18km run before race day to boost your confidence.

Don’t forget speed work! Incorporating intervals or tempo runs into your training can really help improve your pace and stamina when training for the half marathon. We recommend pairing this with strength training to reduce injury risk and increase overall power, especially for tackling those hills on the course.

Lastly, recovery is key. Listen to your body, include rest days in your schedule, and ensure you’re fueling and hydrating properly throughout your training journey. With the right balance, you’ll feel strong and ready when the day arrives.

Nutrition for the Dublin Half Marathon

Fueling your body properly is crucial for a strong performance on race day. In the week leading up to the race, prioritise complex carbohydrates to build glycogen stores. Foods like oats, rice, sweet potatoes, and whole-grain pasta are great options. On the morning of the race, opt for a simple, easily digestible breakfast such as toast with peanut butter or a banana to avoid any stomach discomfort.

Hydration is equally important when training and on race day. During your training, experiment with hydration strategies to ensure you’re comfortable on the actual race day. Aim to drink water regularly, and you could consider incorporating electrolyte drinks for runs lasting longer than an hour. On the day itself, make use of the water stations along the route and sip small amounts to stay hydrated without overdoing it.

Energy gels or chews can be a lifesaver for maintaining energy during the run. Practice using them during training to find what works best for you. Timing with the energy gels is key, so consume them at regular intervals to keep your energy levels steady throughout the race.

Dublin Half Marathon Race Day Essentials

When the big day is here, preparation is everything. Start by laying out your gear the night before. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is a must, make sure to check the forecast to decide whether layers or a lightweight outfit is best. Don’t forget tried-and-tested running shoes that you’ve already broken in during training.

Pack a small race-day kit that includes your race bib, energy gels if you’re using them, a water bottle if you prefer carrying one. Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere, find your starting point, and warm up properly with some light jogging and plenty of stretches.

Lastly, trust your training. Stick to the pacing strategy you’ve practiced and avoid the temptation to start too fast. Enjoy the crowd support and the buzzing energy of running through Dublin’s city streets

Post-Race Recovery

Once you’ve finished, resist the urge to stop completely if you can. A short cool-down walk and gentle stretches will help prevent stiffness and aid in your recovery.  At this stage hydration is essential, so sip water or an electrolyte drink to replenish fluids lost during the race. Your body needs fuel to recover, so try to eat a balanced meal within two hours of finishing. A mix of carbohydrates and protein would be great to  help restore energy levels and repair muscle tissue.

Finally, enjoy your medal! Completing a half marathon is something to be proud of.

The Dublin City Half Marathon 2025 looks like it will be an incredible event and with the right preparation, nutrition, and mindset, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge and enjoy every step of the journey.

At Perpetua Fitness, we’re here to support your goals with expert-led training classes, recovery tools, and a community of like-minded individuals who will cheer you on every step of the way. Start your half marathon training now at Perpetua.