Dublin Marathon organisers are still hoping for a city centre start and finish
More than fourty years of sporting tradition could be out the window as Dublin Marathon organisers look for an alternative route due to concerns raised over the event’s impact on public transport.
The National Transport Authority say the road closures and congestion as a result of the marathon is a major concern, stating that the race has had a “disproportionate adverse impact” on public transport services.
It has been suggested that the race, which usually starts at Fitzwilliam Square and finishes at Merrion Square, could be moved outside the city.
While most road closures begin on the morning of the marathon and are lifted around 5pm on the same day, some parts of Merrion Square have remained closed until 4pm the following day.
In a joint statement, Dublin City Council and Dublin Marathon organisers have suggested that the event will stay within the city, but have not ruled out changes to the route moving further outside the city centre.
“Dublin City Council and the organisers of the Dublin Marathon have for many years worked in partnership together to deliver this important event to the city, in a safe and sustainable manner. With this in mind, Dublin City Council and the organisers of Dublin Marathon are working together to consider viable options for next year’s event, preferably within the city-centre, that will showcase the city and continue to provide the best experience for all those involved with the Dublin Marathon.”
“Discussions relating to proposed arrangements for future Dublin Marathon events have commenced between Dublin City Council and the organisers of Dublin Marathon with the intention of reaching a positive solution that may be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024.”
Dublin locals have slammed the proposal on X, with former Operation Transformation leader Killian Byrne labelling it as “ludicrous.”
This year’s marathon saw almost 25,000 runners take part in the race – with some road closures beginning two days before the event.
A new course record was set by 20-year-old Ethiopian Kemal Husen who finished in just under two hours and seven minutes while the first woman across the line was Sorome Negash, also of Ethiopia.