Run the Dublin Marathon 2027 for Rafiki Thabo Foundation
Take on one of Europe’s most popular marathons and help change a young person’s future through education.
£50 registration | £1,200 fundraising pledge | 24th October 2027
We’re thrilled that you are interested in running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon for Rafiki Thabo Foundation. We have 4 charity places available for 2027 which you can apply for HERE from late October 2026 – or if you have secured your own place, we would love you to run for us!
Run to the roar of the crowd in the Dublin Marathon
Experience the energy of Dublin’s streets, the roar of the crowd, and the challenge of 26.2 miles in one of Europe’s most iconic and scenic races. It’s a thrilling journey through Ireland’s vibrant capital, with a course that blends historic city streets with beautiful parkland.
Renowned as the Friendliest Marathon, Dublin is famous for its warm Irish welcome and unwavering crowd support from start to finish, offering an incredible atmosphere and a unique race-day. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the experience!
Run through iconic landmarks. From St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park to the River Liffey. Combining a mix of fast descents and scenic city views. The final miles test runners with the famous Irish Heartbreak Hill before a strong finish along Merrion Road to Pepper Canister Church.
An international marathon within easy reach of the UK where you might even find yourself running alongside someone famous, like Hollywood actor Colin Farrel who took on the Dublin challenge in 2024!
By running for Rafiki Thabo your Dublin Marathon will mean even more
You will help enable access to education for vulnerable children in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho who would otherwise not be able to pay their school fees. By helping them into school, you will gift them the opportunity to fulfil their potential, secure meaningful paid jobs, in turn sending their own children to school and supporting the economic development in their local communities.
APPLY FOR YOUR CHARITY PLACE HERE FROM LATE OCTOBER
Date: 24th October 2027
Registration fee: £50
Fundraising pledge: £1,200
What to expect
- Charity application
We will accept applications shortly after the 2026 marathon has taken place on the 25th October! Please note applications will close when we have allocated our four places. After this time, you are welcome to get in touch and ask to be added to our waiting list.
This is a much-coveted loved marathon, and we want you to have the best chance at being successful in your application, so please provide as much detail in your application as possible about why you would like to run for Rafiki Thabo and about how you plan to fundraise.
If your application is successful, we will ask for a £50 registration fee and your commitment to raising a minimum £1,2000 (excluding Gift Aid) in sponsorship. In return you will receive:
- a guaranteed entry into the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2027
- a Rafiki Thabo running T-shirt or vest
- fundraising tips and support
- training tips from RealBuzz and Irish Life Dublin Marathon
- impact examples to share with your sponsors
- ongoing support and encouragement from our Head of Fundraising Janne
- and our eternal gratitude!
- PLUS a signed photo card with words of encouragement from Olympic marathon runner Mara Yamauchi
Please read our full terms and conditions.
APPLY FOR YOUR CHARITY PLACE HERE FROM LATE OCTOBER
Once you have applied using the link above, we will receive and review your application. We will endeavour to inform you as quickly as possible whether your application has been successful. Look out for an automated e-mail, shortly after which, Janne will be in contact by e-mail or telephone. If you are successful, we will ask that you confirm your understanding of, and agreement to, our Terms and Conditions and provide you with a payment link for the £50 registration. Once paid – the Irish Life Dublin Marathon place is yours! Please also see Official Irish Life Dublin Marathon registration below!
- Official Irish Life Dublin Marathon registration
You can celebrate that you have one of our Irish Life Dublin Marathon places – but there is one more step you need to take in order to run the marathon, which is to complete the Official Irish Life Dublin Marathon registration. Registration normally opens in March/April and the registration window closes towards the end of July 2027. We will send you an e-mail to alert you that the registration is open.
Have you got your own Irish Life Dublin Marathon place?
If you’ve secured your own place in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon through the ballot or event organisers, we’d love to have you on our team. You’ll get all the same benefits, including training advice, fundraising tips, and team support – all while making a real difference for children in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho.
