Amidst the blustery wind and rain, over 2,200 people gathered to run the 2024 Dublin Marathon this past Sunday, October 27. Sponsored primarily by Irish Life, the race kicked off at 8:45am Sunday morning with four waves of runners to take on the race, starting with wheelchair participants. The race started promptly near St. Stephens Greene and took runners around the Southside to end near Merrion Square. The energy radiated the participants at the start line, with spectators cheering and music bellowing, not to mention the classic racing ring of cowbells.
The Dublin Marathon has been held for over 40 consecutive years and brings thousands of participants each year. This year felt exceptional, with a host of celebrities and participants running for impactful charities of their choice. Many runners signed up in accordance with a charity group and raised money before the race, then completed the 42 kilometres in support of their cause. This created an energy like no other–no matter what the cause was, spectators and runners alike gathered together to amplify the love for others. Charity is always a key part of the Dublin marathon. Each year, runners raise more than 9 million euro for their respective causes. Whether in support of the Irish Cancer society or ‘To Write Love on Her Arms,’ this Sunday brought thousands of people together in one of the most unique ways.
Not only did the race bring thousands of Dubliners and international participants together, but it secured the spot as the fifth-largest marathon in Europe this year. The coordination between Dublin City Council and the race directory board allowed for the course to weave in and out of the city centre. Although roads were closed off, the city felt only more alive as runners glided past shops and neighbours stood on their stoops to cheer everyone on. Tereza Karbanová, a fourth-year medicine student at Trinity, experienced the runner’s high of the Dublin Marathon this past Sunday. “This was my second marathon and I could definitely see [that] the atmosphere and overall experience was unmatched, I love the Irish spirit and endless support for random strangers doing cool things,” she explains.
The primary celebrity sighting of Colin Farrell crossing the finish line was a particularly special one. Farrell finished the last 4km of the race pushing his close friend Emma Fogarty, the longest-surviving person with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland, and raising over 775,000 for the charity Debra. Farrell entered the race in honour of Fogarty and the immense support and funds raised all go to the charity Debra, which focuses on providing critical care for those with EB. Farrell and Fogarty’s inspiring finish encapsulated the heart of the Dublin marathon–folks from all walks of life coming together to celebrate our commonality.
Rosie Byler, a study-abroad student from the US, ran her first marathon in Dublin and felt that exact same special Irish spirit Karbanová described. Byler ran with the charity ‘To Write Love on Her Arms,’ a non-profit movement dedicated to providing support for individuals dealing with depression, addiction, and self-harm. “I have never felt so proud of myself and all the strangers around me. As soon as I finished the race I was so overcome with emotions that I couldn’t help but start crying; nothing prepares you for the gratification that comes with finishing a marathon,” she explained. This gratification and empowerment radiated across Dublin city centre the entire Sunday, with runners, spectators, and loved-ones alike all celebrating one of the most special human endeavours.
