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Irish Life Dublin Marathon

Join the ISPCA #HappyTails Team on 26th October for this year's Irish Life Dublin Marathon

Step Up for Ireland’s Animals this October 

Join the ISPCA #HappyTails Team on 26th October 2025 for this year’s Irish Life Dublin Marathon and help rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Ireland’s cruelly treated and neglected animals. 

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first marathon, this is your chance to combine your fitness goals with making a real difference in what it is now the 5th largest in Europe and for which all the Lottery entries are now SOLD OUT! Only charity entries, like the ones of the ISPCA, are still available!    

Event Details 

When: October 26th at 09:00 – 17:00  

Where: Dublin City Centre

Sponsorship Pledge:  Fundraising target: €1,500 (includes a €225 non-refundable deposit) to be paid by all participants. 

Race Requirement: Participants must be over the age of 18. 

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people running

Already have your own entry for the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon?  

If you’re interested in taking part in one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting events but didn’t secure a place, don’t worry—you can still apply for one of our limited Charity Places by completing the registration form below. Be sure to sign up soon to secure your spot! Get in touch with Kimberly at [email protected], and she’ll help you set up your fundraising page and send you a welcome pack. 

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Why Run for the ISPCA?

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Every Step Saves Lives:

Your fundraising will help provide essential care, medical treatment, and shelter for animals in need. 

Be Part of a Community:

Join an inspiring team of animal lovers and runners, all working toward a common goal.

Support Every Step of the Way

We’ll provide you with tips, fundraising resources, and encouragement to help you hit your targets and cross the finish line. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will I receive?  
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  • One on one fundraising support from our team
  • An ISPCA Marathon Pack which will include an ISPCA T-shirt and other goodies
  • Regular emails to help keep you motivated
  • A Strava group to keep you connected with the other runners
  • A personal online fundraising page that you can share with your family and friends
  • Customised training plans from our running partners, Real Buzz
  • Access to training guides and resources
  • Free entry to virtual races
How will my fundraising make an impact?  
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All proceeds raised will go directly to supporting animals in our care.

  • €25 can help provide a balanced diet to aid a full recovery
  • €50 can help supply food, bedding and training for a rescued animal.
  • €100 can help ISPCA Inspectors reach more abandoned, abused or neglected animals in desperate need of rescue.
  • €250 can help provide all the vaccinations, microchipping and neutering an animal needs before going to a loving new home.
What is the time and date of the race for 2025?  
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It will take place Sunday 26th of October 2025 at 8.45am.

What if I don’t reach my fundraising minimum?  
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We understand that fundraising might seem like a big challenge, but there’s plenty of time to hit your goal, and we’ll support you every step of the way! To help you stay on track, there are a few key fundraising milestones:

  • Deposit (€225) – due when you sign up to secure your charity place. 
  • 25% of your fundraising goal (€375, including your deposit) – due by 15th July 2025. 
  • 75% of your fundraising goal (€1,125) – due by 20th September 2025. 
  • 100% of your fundraising goal (€1,500) – due by the final sponsorship deadline on Friday, 28th November 2025. 
What if I cannot participate after I have registered and paid my deposit?  
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If you need to withdraw from the event for any reason before or on race day, any funds raised will be treated as a donation to the ISPCA and will not be refunded. Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] if you can no longer take part and we may be able to arrange for your place to be rolled over to 2026. 

Do I get a t-shirt and/or welcome pack?   
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Yes! Once you join Team ISPCA, you’ll receive your exclusive ISPCA Welcome Pack, which includes: 

  • A #HappyTails t-shirt—perfect for training and showing your support in the lead-up to the big day. 
  • A welcome letter with everything you need to get started on your fundraising journey. 
  • The ISPCA 2025 Calendar, featuring stunning photography and heart-warming rescue stories, perfect for marking your training milestones and race countdown. 

We’ll send your welcome pack once you’ve paid your deposit and registration is confirmed. It’s our way of saying thank you for stepping up for Ireland’s animals!