Starting off quite humbly in 1980, the Dublin marathon has grown over the years to be recognised among the premier mass long-distance running events in the European athletic circuit. Its growing stature is set to be reinforced once again this weekend. Over 22,000 individuals are expected to lace up their running shoes and throng the city streets to achieve their personal goals – be it setting a new personal record, engaging in competitive sport at an elite level, or simply crossing the finish line after an exhausting 26.2 miles. A majority of the participants target this last goal, embodying the spirit of mass engagement that lies at the core of this event.
Initially, participants in the Dublin marathon were considered an eccentric few. However, the event’s exceptional charm soon grew, boosted by the rising trend of large-scale participation in marathons taking place across major cities like New York and London.
The running frenzy that sparked in the 1980s swiftly transformed the Dublin marathon into a feasible target for amateur athletes, looking to challenge themselves on the avenues of their own city. This shift was mirrored by the growing count of participants – a leap from 2,100 in 1980 to 8,700 by 1988. The growth rate settled in the 1990s, but it picked up momentum again in the 2000s, taking the numbers of entries to record-breaking heights.
The event’s appeal is closely tied to its fairly forgiving course, coupled with the lively energy of the large crowd cheering along the well-known streets of Dublin. Despite yearly criticisms regarding the marathon’s negative impact on the city due to disruptions in public transport and road blockages, the idea of shifting the event to a more contained location, such as Phoenix Park, has been dismissed.
The benefits of hosting the event on the city streets far supersede these concerns, especially considering how it invites international competitors during a tourism lull. Dublin must welcome the event in the same vein as other large cities. Its community spirit is invigorating, fostering a shared sense of pride and unity that’s not commonly observed in contemporary times.