Overview
- Organisers confirmed 17,200 places were allocated through the 2026 general ballot for a race capped at 22,500 entrants.
- The 48-hour priority window for past participants was removed after it had steered about 70% of general entries to returning runners.
- The new open ballot produced a close to 50/50 split of first-timers and returnees, with women comprising 39% of the general-ballot field.
- Nearly 29,800 applicants did not receive a ballot spot, and charities such as CRY Ireland are offering limited fundraising entries as alternative routes.
- Remaining slots cover charity, Good-for-Age, elite, sponsor/partner, tour operator and community allocations, with a non-refundable €5 ballot fee and refund (1–12 July 2026) and transfer (22 July–30 August 2026) windows set.