The Irish Life Dublin Marathon contributed $71 million (€63 million) to the local economy last year, according to a new report.
This placed it 19th among the top 50 marathons globally in terms of economic contribution, according to research by Brand Finance and Tata Consultancy Services, which sponsors a number of top marathons and endurance events around the world.
The research found that in 2024, the top 50 marathons contributed $5.2 billion to the local economies of the host cities.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon topped the ranking with a contribution of $627 million. The London Marathon, which is being run this weekend, was fourth last year with a contribution of $425 million.
“The Dublin Marathon (12th) scored particularly highly in a number of engagement metrics, such as donated to a charity associated with the marathon, bought merchandise in association with the marathon, and volunteered at the marathon,” the report noted, adding that the top 50 races raised $425 million between them for charitable causes.
[ Colin Farrell among participants as 22,000 run in Dublin MarathonOpens in new window ]
Some 18,100 runners competed in the Dublin Marathon last year, in spite of 22,500 having paid a fee to enter the race. The men’s race was won by Moses Kemei from Kenya while Asmirach Nega from Ethiopia was first home in the women’s elite race.
