Frequently Asked Questions

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N.B. It is recommended that any potential participant not currently involved in physical sporting activity, should undertake a medical examination before taking part in the marathon.

General rules and regulations

What is the date of the race for 2012?

The race will be run on 29th October 2012.

What is the start time of the race?

Wheelchair entrants start at 9:45am. The first wave will start at 9:50am, the second at 9:55am and the last at 10:00am

What do you mean by wave starts for the rest of the field?

Entrants pick one of three time zones when registering. Runners will start according to their allocated Time Zone. This is to ensure that there is less congestion in the early part of the race and all competitors achieve a smooth and prompt start. The wave system has been tried and tested over the last 3 years in our Race Series and successfully blends participants in mutually competitive groupings.

Under 3 hours 30 minutes (Orange Race number) starting at 9:50am.

3 hrs 30 mins to 4 hrs 15 mins (Green Race number) starting at 9:55am.

Over 4 hours 15 minutes (Blue Race number) starting at 10:00am.

When can I enter?

Entries are open now but must be received by the closing date. See Entry Details page for closing date.

How do I enter?

Enter on line by clicking the Register online button on the Entry Details page
Or
Request an entry form from

Dublin Marathon office at +353-1-6232250

Is it a guaranteed entry or a lottery?

Your race number is guaranteed once you have paid your entry fee.

Do I have to run for a charity to get a race number?

No, you are not required to run for a charity to gain a race number.

Do I need a qualifying time to run?

No, you don't need a qualifying time to run.

What is the entry fee?

See the table on the Entry Details page.

What happens when I enter on line?

Your credit card details will be taken and debited for the entry fee amount plus a handling charge of €3. You will receive an e-mail detailing your RACE number (it will be under ENTRY DETAILS) and also the details of the EXPO. Please bring this e-mail along with you to the EXPO to collect your race number and chip.

What happens when I enter using the official entry form?

You will receive a confirmation slip from our office detailing your RACE number and also details of the EXPO. Please bring this to the EXPO to collect your race number and Chip.

Who can I contact for help?

See our contact page. The office of the National Lottery Dublin Marathon can be contacted at +353-1-6232250 or by e-mailing office@dublinmarathon.ie.

What should I do if I am ill or injured before the race?

You must be fit and well to run a marathon. Severe exertion during or soon after any kind of fever is extremely dangerous. If you find yourself in this situation you must withdraw - even if this is the first time you are running the event.

Do I get a refund or deferment if I can't run?

Sorry, under no circumstances will you get a refund or deferment if you can't run.

Can I transfer my number if I can't run?

Sorry, under no circumstances can you transfer your number to someone else if you can't run.

Where do I pick up my RACE / BIB number (Race Pack)?

Race numbers (race pack) will be available for collection at the National Lottery Dublin Marathon EXPO.

Where/when is the EXPO?

The National Lottery Dublin Marathon EXPO takes place between Saturday October 27th and Sunday 28th between 12:00 hrs. (noon) and 18:00 hrs. You must attend to collect your race (bib) number. As last year the EXPO is in the Main Hall of the R.D.S in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The venue has great facilities and is easily accessible by road, bus, dart (local train service) and car

What do I collect at the EXPO?

At the EXPO you will collect your running number (bib number), pins, a route map and an adhesive numbered sticker. This sticker must be fixed to the front of the kit bag, which you will be given as you leave the Registration Area. Your race number will also include your chip on the back.

You must wear a chip to get an official finishing time. Do not leave without collecting your race number (with the chip) and kit bag. Remember, NO CHIP NO TIME

Where on the race (bib) number do I include medical information?

On the back of your race (bib) please put any important medical information and a contact number in case of emergencies.

Where is the start of the race?

The start of the race will be on Fitzwilliam Street Upper.

Where can I leave baggage?

A baggage area will be provided in Merrion Square South and will be open from 7:30am. The area will be divided up according to the colour on your race number. Please leave your bag in the assigned area where you can collect it after the race. Under absolutely no circumstances will the baggage area accept anything other than the official kit bag, which should display your running number on the supplied label stuck onto your bag. You will be advised by our Public Address when to hand in your kit bag. At the Finish, you will be able to collect your kit bag from the same area, on production of your running number.

What do I wear on race day at the start?

On race day, we suggest you wear old clothes or a bin liner before reporting to the Start. Yes, a bin liner! With holes cut for the head and arms, it will provide you with neat, disposable, waterproof protection.

What should I wear in the race?

Wear shoes, shorts and a singlet that you have worn before, do not wear new clothes on race day.

Should I wear the race (bib) number on the front or back?

Wear your race (bib) number on the front. Anyone without an official race (bib) number on the front may be removed from the race in the last kilometer.

What should I do on Race day morning?

Make sure you pin your race number on as directed using the pins provided in the bag that you collect at the EXPO. Don't fold your race number in any way.

Merrion Square is where you can leave your bag. Use the kit bag that you were given at registration with the small sticker on the outside. This corresponds to your race number. Any bags other than the official kit bags left at the baggage area may be taken away by the Gardai (Police).

Always listen out to any announcements from the race organiser. Some things may change on the day and this is the only way they can communicate it to you.

Try and plan your visits to the toilets carefully. They are placed beside the baggage area. Near to start time there are likely to be big queues, so the sooner you act the better!

Will there be start zones?

At the time of entry you will be asked to declare if you will complete the race in under 3 hours 30 minutes, between 3h30m and 4h15m or over 4h15m. You will be allocated a race number accordingly. Each time zone will have different colours. The baggage and start areas will be divided by this breakdown in predicted time, so please follow the coloured directions.

What race day etiquette should I adhere to?

Wear your race (bib) number on the front. Anyone without an official race (bib) number on the front may be removed from the race in the last kilometer

Don't allow friends who aren't registered in the event to run alongside you. It is unfair on those who have paid to enter and is dangerous and may cause an obstruction.

Be careful about taking food and drink from friends during races.

If there are a few of you running together be aware of those behind you who might be trying to get past. Don't line up across the width of the road, try and be in single file as much as possible. This is also true for those who are walking. If you hear someone trying to get past move across as soon as you can and let them go.

Don't suddenly stop in the middle of the race. If you feel you need to tighten your shoelaces, or you've a stone in your shoe, move across to the side of the road first and take whatever action is needed. Chaos will result if you suddenly stop without warning!

Drinks stations are often the place where most damage can be done. Don't suddenly veer across in front of another runner to grab a water bottle. Take your turn and remember that often the far end of the station will be empty. Don't take more than you need and remember there will probably be plenty of people behind you whose requirements may be greater than yours.

When you run away from a drink station don't just drop a water bottle on the road where another runner could trip it on, you will see bins on the roadside please use them.

If you're in need of a toilet, don't worry there will be plenty along the route at the water stations. Just remember though not to queue across the road in the way of other runners.

Always take note of instructions given to you by marshals throughout the race. Although you might not always agree with them they are there to help and advise and to look after your safety. Say thanks to them whenever you can. They will be volunteers who have given their time for your benefit.

What is the route for the race?

A street by street listing can be found on the route section of the web site.

Where can I get a map of the route?

A map of this year's route will be on the site in April.

What is the profile of the route?

A profile can be viewed on the route section of the web site. There are no major hills on the route. You will experience a climb when you come out of the Phoenix Park and a drag up through Crumlin heading to half way. Coming to the 20 mile mark on the route there is also a short climb.

What is provided at the drink stations?

Pure clear Tipperary still water in 300ml plastic bottles will be provided at the 10 water stations.

How many drink stations are there?

There will be 10 on course water stations.

What will the course be marked in?

The route will be marked with mile signs and marked at 5 Km intervals.

Where will the toilets be located?

Toilets will be provided at the baggage area, a small amount will be provided in the start area. There will also be 10 locations with toilets on the route, close to the water stations.

Where will the First Aid stations be located?

The first aid stations will be located close to the water stations and also at the finish. St John Ambulance volunteers will staff the first aid stations.

What happens at the finish line?

When you finish smile as MarathonFoto will be taking your photo then you will be 'funelled' through the finish gantry. Your chip will be removed, when you leave the de-chip area and you will be presented with your well earned medal, finishers T-shirt and goody bag.

As is the case from the start of your day to the end, don't leave any rubbish lying around the finish area. It's always a huge job to get the venue back to its pre-race state and it will be a lot easier if runners take everything home with them or place it in the bins provided.

Will there be a massage area provided?

Yes after you finish when you pass through the baggage area you will see the massage tents ahead of you. Volunteers from the Chartered Physiotherapy of Ireland will staff them.

What time will I be given for the race?

The Dublin Marathon times every single runner by use of a 'Chip'. Race results and times will be based on the elapsed time taken by each runner between the Start signal and Finish Line. The web site will also show your chip time, which is the time taken for you from when you crossed the start line to the time you crossed the finish line. Your chip is attached to the back of your race (Bib) number.

What do I do if I need to drop out?

If you have to drop out during the race for any reason, make your way to a St John Ambulance station (located with the water stations) and hand in your race number and chip. If you are injured they will provide transport to the finish. If you can make your own way there to retrieve your kit bag please do so. Kit bags not collected by 17.30hrs will be taken to our office. Contact us there after Race Day if you can not make it to the finish.

Where can I meet friends and relatives after the race?

There will be a repatriation area in Fitzwilliam Street for blue numbers and Merrion Square West for orange and green numbers. A good idea is to arrange for a third party to be at home on race day so that you can communicate through them if for some reason you and your family cannot find each other. Heavy mobile phone traffic on all networks around the Finish area means it may be impossible to get a signal. Do not rely on your mobile as your only means of communication.

Please note: there will be a PA system in operation throughout the day at the Finish, this is only for the official race commentary and emergency announcements, NOT for runners seeking lost friends or family.

Will I get official photographs of the race?

At a number of different points along the course, photographers from MarathonFoto will be taking shots of you as you work your way through the 42.2 Kms. If you see them remember to smile, however you may be feeling! This is especially important as you go over the finish line.

Within days, photographs can be viewed and purchased from the totally secure website www.marathonfoto.com

A short time after the race your pictures will be available on the web site for you to purchase.

You'll also be able to order photo-frames, DVD's and many more souvenirs of the day.

If you want more information contact MarathonFoto at their stand at the EXPO.

When can I get Results?

Provisional results will be online at 5:30pm on Race Day and adjusted results, with chip times, a few days later.

Will I get a certificate?

When the official results are available on the site your certificate will be available on line. You will enter your race number and the details will be filled into the on line certificate ready for printing to display proudly to your friends and work colleagues.

What is the date of the race for 2013?

The race will be run on 28th October.

Do's and Don'ts

N. B. It is recommended that any potential participant not currently involved in physical sporting activity, should undertake a medical examination before taking part in the marathon.

Good luck from all in the National Lottery Dublin Marathon.

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