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The Dublin Marathon is an annual event that takes place on the last Sunday of October in Ireland’s capital city covering a distance of 42.2 km/ 26.2 miles
Sunday, 25th October, 2026 at 8:45AM
Dublin City Centre
Registration for the Dublin Marathon 2026 is now closed. However, if you have already secured your own place and would like to run in support of the Irish Kidney Association, we would be delighted to welcome you to Team IKA.
Why Join Team IKA in 2026?
By choosing to run for the Irish Kidney Association, you’re making a real difference to people living with kidney disease.
Your fundraising helps to provide vital patient support services, holiday breaks, counselling, advocacy, and public awareness about organ donation and kidney health.
Show Your Support for Team IKA
Our inspiring Team IKA runners are taking on the Dublin Marathon to raise vital funds and awareness for people affected by kidney disease.
Your donation will help the Irish Kidney Association continue providing essential services to kidney patients and their families across Ireland.
Meet Team IKA 2026
Meet some of the incredible people taking on the Dublin Marathon in support of the Irish Kidney Association this year.
Story shared by: Matthew H.
One Kidney, No Limits
Matthew from Moate, County Westmeath, was born with one kidney but has been fortunate to live a healthy life. Growing up, he understood that his situation was different, but it never defined him or limited what he could achieve. His experience has given him an appreciation of the challenges faced by people living with kidney disease and of the work of the IKA. By taking on the marathon, Matthew hopes to raise awareness, support kidney patients and families, and give back to the kidney community. He is proud to support the assistance, advocacy and hope the IKA provides across Ireland.
Story shared by: Lara D.
A Gift of Life, Twenty Years On
Lara from Palatine, County Carlow, is taking on the Dublin Marathon in honour of her husband, Bryan. Bryan received a kidney transplant in 2006 after living with kidney illness since childhood. His transplant transformed family life, giving Lara a healthy husband and their three children a healthy father. Since then, Bryan has competed in triathlons and represented his donor with pride at the World Transplant Games. To mark the twentieth anniversary of his transplant, he plans to complete an Ironman event in October 2026. Lara’s support for the IKA reflects the family’s gratitude for organ donation and the opportunities Bryan’s transplant has made possible. They remain thankful every day and are committed to embracing life.
Story shared by: Fran C.
From Tackling Pain to Tackling a Marathon
Fran from Rathfarnham, County Dublin, was diagnosed with Stage 3 chronic kidney disease after recurring ankle pain was identified as gout caused by high uric acid levels. Despite remaining active, Fran had not realised his kidneys were being damaged. He later learned that the anti-inflammatory painkillers he relied on for sports injuries were contributing to the damage. Managing kidney disease has required Fran to stop pushing through pain and start listening to his body. By sharing his experience and completing the marathon, he hopes to raise awareness of kidney health and support people affected by kidney disease.
Story shared by: Niamh F.
Running to Celebrate Edel’s Gift of Life
Niamh from County Dublin is running in honour of her best friend Edel, who received a liver transplant in 2018 after two years on the waiting list. The marathon takes place around Edel’s transplant anniversary, making the challenge especially meaningful. Edel’s journey showed Niamh how organ donation transforms lives. Since the transplant, they have travelled, attended festivals and celebrated milestones together. As a Biology teacher, Niamh uses Edel’s story to encourage conversations about organ donation among her students. Through the marathon, Niamh hopes to honour donors and their families, support transplant recipients and give hope to families awaiting their own life-changing call.
Story shared by: Daire C.
One Gift, Endless Possibilities
Daire from Leixlip, County Kildare, is taking on the Dublin Marathon with his brother Oisín to support the Irish Kidney Association. Daire was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy at 21. By 25, his kidney function had fallen below 10%, requiring peritoneal dialysis while his family searched for a donor. His mother, Emer, proved to be a match and donated a kidney, giving Daire a new lease of life. Following his transplant, Daire travelled extensively, ran the Vancouver Marathon and completed triathlons. He is now taking on Dublin to show that challenges can be overcome and to raise awareness of organ donation.
Story shared by: James R.
Running to Raise Awareness of IgA Nephropathy
James from County Cavan was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy in 2018 after being admitted to hospital with what he thought was a severe throat infection. The diagnosis changed how he approaches his health, including managing his diet, taking daily blood pressure medication and attending regular specialist check-ups. Although living with chronic kidney disease can be challenging, James remains determined to protect his health and raise awareness.
Story shared by: Evan O’C.
Running in Memory of His Nanny Breda
Evan from County Dublin is running in memory of his nanny, Breda, who passed away on 11 January 2021 following kidney failure after several difficult years on dialysis. During that time, she attended frequent hospital appointments, and the IKA helped arrange taxis to and from St Michael’s Hospital while also supporting the family. Evan is grateful for the practical help that made a challenging period more manageable and wants his marathon effort to give something back.
Story shared by: Charlotte P.
Running for Pops
Charlotte from County Limerick is taking on the Dublin Marathon in memory of her ‘Pops’, Cormac Liddy. Cormac experienced kidney failure twice and received dialysis in Limerick and at Merlin Park University Hospital. Charlotte witnessed the challenges of treatment and remains grateful for his care by the Irish Kidney Association who arranged a taxi service to bring Cormac to and from dialysis three times each week. The marathon takes place shortly after the first anniversary of Cormac’s death, making Charlotte’s challenge especially meaningful. Through her run, Charlotte hopes to honour Cormac’s memory and give something back to the kidney community.
Story shared by: Bríd McG.
Running in Memory of Josie
Bríd is taking on the Dublin Marathon in memory of her mother-in-law, Josie. Josie lived with polycystic kidney disease, spent several years on dialysis and received a successful kidney transplant in 2016. The transplant gave her more years with her family, including her adored grandchildren. She later became unwell for unrelated reasons and died in 2024. Josie supported the IKA and would have been delighted to see funds raised for its work. As polycystic kidney disease is hereditary, Bríd is conscious that her husband and children may need kidney care and IKA support in the future.
Story shared by: Conor W.
Running in Memory of Josie
Conor from County Dublin is running in memory of his father, Brian. Brian lived with declining kidney function and spent years on dialysis before receiving a successful transplant on Halloween. The transplant restored his energy and gave the family years together, including opportunities for Brian and his wife to travel. Brian died this year in May following complications. Conor is running to honour his father, thank the Irish Kidney Association for its support and help families affected by kidney disease.