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#RunYourTown, KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon Announced

Dublin Marathon organisers have today announced details of the official KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon. It will take place on the October bank holiday weekend, marking when thousands of runners traditionally hit the streets of Dublin. Despite the cancellation of this year’s marathon, the virtual race will ensure runners still have a goal to target. There are also options to sign up the KBC Virtual Race Series distances; 4 Mile, 10km and Half Marathon. Runners, participating with their smartphone, can complete the distances safely in their local area and will be supported by the Dublin Marathon app, which will record their distance and upload their time automatically.

Jim Aughney race director said: “The KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will allow runners to feel a sense of togetherness while they run in their own cities, town and villages around Ireland and worldwide.” He added: “We are urging all those who sign up to be responsible and safe in adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.”

Each year €9 million is raised for charity by runners of the KBC Dublin Marathon. Those who sign-up to the virtual races are encouraged to use the opportunity to have a positive impact by raising much-needed funds for charities at this challenging time with charity partner Just Giving.

Olympic Marathon runner Lizzie Lee said: “While nothing can beat the atmosphere and support on the streets of Dublin of the friendly marathon, the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will be a close second. I am delighted for runners that they can stay motivated by having a goal to aim towards.”

Finishers of the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive the official commemorative medal, with the much sought-after beanie hat the bonus for all those who complete the marathon distance.

Marathon organisers have also worked to develop an app to support runners completing the marathon distance. The app has a built-in GPS tracking feature which automatically records your distance and time with results uploaded automatically when runners have completed their race.

Stephen Scullion, National Marathon Champion 2019, who is set to compete in the 2021 Olympic Games said: “The official KBC Dublin Marathon app will be beneficial for runners, as they can track their virtual progress on the Dublin route, no matter what part of the country or world they are running in. It will be a real immersive experience for them.”

Aidan Power Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, KBC said “Working with the Dublin Marathon organisers, we wanted to support what is traditionally a big weekend in the calendar for the running community. For the many loyal and new runners of the KBC Dublin Marathon, we wanted to offer them an opportunity to run the marathon safely and virtually in their local area. We launched the #RunThisTown social media campaign to support runners taking to their streets safely in their local areas during the month of May and the response was great. I am sure we will see the same enthusiasm for the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon.”

Existing runners in the database for the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive an email today (Monday the 13th of July) with an opportunity to sign-up. While entries for the public will be open on Wednesday 15th of July at noon on kbcdublinmarathon.ie. Entry closes on Friday 24th of July.)

 

Cancellation of the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series

It is with great regret that the organisers of the Dublin Marathon have today announced the cancellation of the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series.

Jim Aughney Race Director said: “We know this is extremely disappointing for all runners, especially those who secured marathon entries. We made the difficult decision in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of all those involved in making our events such a success from runners, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, to suppliers. We explored many alternatives for running the events safely but ultimately none were viable.”

All entries for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon and the Race Series will be valid for the 2021 races. For those who do not wish to avail of this, a full refund option is available.

Aidan Power Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs of KBC said “Whilst this decision will disappoint the many loyal runners and spectators of the KBC Dublin Marathon, it is essential that public health and wellbeing takes priority over everything else. This is the right and responsible decision that the event organisers of the Dublin Marathon have taken and KBC as sponsors remain committed to its support and look forward to welcoming runners again in 2021.”  

Why did the race organisers of the Race Series and Dublin Marathon decide to cancel the races? 

The organisers considered many alternative approaches in event planning to make running the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series with appropriate social distancing possible. However, after careful consideration, the difficult decision was made by the organisers to cancel both the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series. It was a decision made in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of runners, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, suppliers and all those involved in making the running of these events possible.

Will my place for the KBC Dublin Marathon still hold for 2021?

Yes, your entry for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon will be valid for the 2021 race.

Is there a refund option available for the KBC Dublin Marathon? 

For those who do not wish to keep their entry place in the 2021 KBC Dublin Marathon, a refund option will be made available up to 18th June 2020. The refund will be available on “Manage My Bookings” from your entry confirmation link.

I missed a lottery entry place in 2020 will there be any chance of getting an entry into 2021 race?

Details regarding the potential reallocation of lottery places as a result of refunds will be made in early 2021.

What will happen to the national championships?

As a result of the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon cancellation, Athletics Ireland can confirm that the 2020 National Marathon Championship scheduled within the event has been cancelled. All athletes entered in the 2020 National Marathon Championship will automatically have their entry deferred to the new 2021 event as detailed by KBC Dublin Marathon.

Will my entry for the KBC Race Series still hold for 2021?

Yes, your entry for the 2020 KBC Race Series will be valid for the 2021 KBC Race Series.

Is there a refund option available for the KBC Race Series?

For those who do not wish to keep their entry place in the KBC Race Series, a refund option will be made available up to 18th June 2020. The refund will be available on “Manage My Bookings” from your entry confirmation link.

Will there be a virtual run instead?

The organisers are currently exploring options and will make an announcement regarding this in the coming weeks.

Change to two dates in KBC Race Series

The KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series organisers are continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely during these challenging times, and following the Government announcements about the Covid-19 outbreak. It is with regret that the Fingal 4 mile, scheduled for May 24th, and the South Dublin 10K, scheduled for July 26th have both been postponed.

Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our runners, volunteers and sponsors.

We fully understand this is disappointing news to all our dedicated followers, but it is in the best interest of the community. The events will be rescheduled to October 11th for the Fingal 4 mile and November 29th for the South Dublin 10K. If you cannot make this new date, your entry will be transferred to the 2021 running of the event.

Many thanks for your support in this challenging time.

KBC Race Series Team.

Remember

Wash Your Hands

Practise Social Distancing when out Running

Don’t Share Water Bottles

ENTRIES FOR 2020 KBC DUBLIN MARATHON INCREASED TO RECORD 25,000

The KBC Dublin Marathon race organisers have today announced that there will be a record 25,000 entries for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon. This represents an increase of 2,500 from the 22,500 entries available in 2019. The new lottery system has revealed that there are over 35,000 interested in participating in the 2020 event. 16,200 entries have been received from runners who had participated in any of the 2017, 2018 & 2019 editions of the event, who were guaranteed a place in the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon. 1,000 entries are allocated to sponsors and tour operators, with a further 1,300 to “Good for Age” Athletics Ireland membership in addition to the 16,100 lottery applications bringing the overall estimated demand to 35,000. 6,500 successful lottery applicants will today (Friday 10th January) receive their code and will have until 31st January to claim their entry with a second round of allocations in February.

KBC Dublin Marathon Race Director, Jim Aughney commented: “A key objective from the outset of the Dublin Marathon Board, who are volunteers was to promote marathon running in Ireland and it is great to see such strong interest in this year’s event.”

He added: “We know that there will be many runners disappointed today, but we cannot accommodate all interested individuals as we pride ourselves on delivering a quality event as the health and safety of participants is our primary concern. However, given that we now have an indication of the overall interest levels in participation this will allow us to have meaningful conversations with our many stakeholders around the future and further development of the KBC Dublin Marathon.”

Lottery Entries:

The remaining 6,500 available entries to the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon have this year for the first time been determined by a lottery system. There were 16,100 lottery applications in total.

Key Lottery Dates:

10th January – Round 1: Registrants will learn via email or SMS whether they were successful or unsuccessful.

31st January – Deadline 1: Deadline for successful lottery registrants from round one to redeem their entry.

7th February – Round 2: Any unclaimed places from round one will be re-allocated to lottery registrants.

14th February – Deadline 2: Deadline for successful lottery registrants from round two to redeem their entry.

1st August – Round 3: Any unallocated numbers from refunds to be offered to any unsuccessful lottery applicants.

14th August – Deadline 3: Deadline for successful lottery registrants to redeem their entry.

Lottery Process

All unsuccessful lottery applicants will receive a refund of their €15 after 14th February. An option to allow 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon entrants to claim a refund will be made available in July. A refund of 70% of the entry fee will be returned once the refund application has been accepted. Any unallocated entries (such as refunded numbers) will be offered to any unsuccessful lottery applicants on 1st August with offers needing to be redeemed by 15th August.

Questions? please use this link to FAQ KBC Dublin Marathon Lottery Allocation

Guaranteed Entries

A guaranteed entry to the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon was offered in November 2019 to runners who had participated in any of the 2019, 2018 or 2017 editions of the Dublin Marathon. 16,200 of these previous participants have availed of this offer to secure their 2020 entry. A further 1,300 entries are allocated to Athletics Ireland membership, as the race also serves as the Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championships.

Overall Demand Estimated to be 35,000

A significant factor in the move to the lottery system for this year’s race, in addition to the increasing demand experienced in recent years, was to enable the race organisers gauge the total level of interest in participation in the KBC Dublin Marathon allowing them to plan for the future development of the event in consultation with the event’s multiple stakeholders.

The total number of guaranteed entries claimed by previous participants as well as the significant number of applications for the lottery indicate that there are some 35,000 people interested in participating in the KBC Dublin Marathon. This represents phenomenal growth from the 2,100 people that lined up at the start of the very first Dublin Marathon in 1980.

Entry to 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon will occur through a lottery system

The KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers, aware of the concern caused by the changes to the entry process to regular participants in the KBC Dublin Marathon, have made the decision to guarantee a race entry for anyone who has participated in one of the last three editions of the KBC Dublin Marathon namely, the 2017, 2018 or 2019 event. Eligible participants will be able to guarantee their place in the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon provided they enter within 72 hours of receiving a unique URL enabling them to do so. The URL will be issued at 12 noon on Friday 1st November.

The KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers can confirm that a significant factor in the move to the lottery system for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon in addition to the increased demand experienced over the last number of years, is to gauge the total level of interest in participation in the Dublin marathon. This is to enable the KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers to prepare a strategic plan for the future development of the event in consultation with the event’s multiple stakeholders.

Moving to a lottery system will allow the KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers determine the overall interest levels from the amount of lottery registrations as opposed to the current system where applications cut off as soon as the 22,500 capacity is reached. Based on the experience of recent years the KBC Dublin Marathon organisers expect total interest to exceed capacity and the lottery is seen as a fair way to determine participation where interest exceeds capacity.

A number of places in the KBC Dublin Marathon have also been allocated to the Athletics Ireland membership as the race also serves as the Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championships. Application for these places will open on 1st April 2020 and will be allocated in accordance with the KBC Dublin Marathon Good for Age standards. Applicants must have a valid Athletics Ireland membership to be eligible

The KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers can confirm that about 18% of participants amounting to approximately 4,000 runners partake in the KBC Dublin Marathon in consecutive years.

Notes

About the KBC Dublin Marathon Race Organisers:

The KBC Dublin Marathon is run by a volunteer board under the auspices of Marathon Events Management DAC, a not for profit company, with any surplus funds generated from the organisation, promotion, development and management of the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series reinvested in the following year’s events.

About the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon Lottery:

Entry to the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon lottery will be open from the 1st November to 30th November 2019 ONLY.

Individuals who participated in the 2017, 2018 or 2019 event will be guaranteed an entry in the KBC Dublin Marathon 2020 on provided they enter within 72 hours of receiving the unique URL that will be issued to them at 12 noon on Friday 1st November

There will be a registration fee of €15 per lottery entry which will be fully refundable if the applicant is not successful and fully redeemable against entry fee if the applicant is successful. Registrants will learn their entry status via SMS and email between 3rd January to 10th January. Successful entrants will have until 31st January 2020 to redeem the offer.

The KBC Dublin Marathon Race organisers will retain details of anyone unsuccessful in the original lottery and any initial places not redeemed by 31st January 2020 will be re-allocated amongst these entrants who were not successful in the first round of the lottery. The applicants will learn their entry status via SMS and email between the 4th February to 7th February 2020. These offers must be redeemed by 14th February 2020.

A number of places in the KBC Dublin Marathon have also been allocated to the Athletics Ireland membership as the race also serves as the Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championships. Application for these places will open on 1st April 2020 and will be allocated in accordance with the KBC Dublin Marathon Good for Age standards. Applicants must have a valid Athletics Ireland membership to be eligible.

NOTES

  • There is a guarantee of a race entry for anyone who has participated in one of the last three editions of the KBC Dublin Marathon namely, the 2017, 2018 or 2019 event, they will get a code starting from 12 noon on 1st November and have 72 hours to enter.
  • There will be 22,500 places available for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon, with a number of these places allocated to Athletics Ireland membership. Athletics Ireland members will qualify under the Good For Age standards and can apply on April 1st and must have a valid Athletics Ireland membership.
  • Lottery event open to the public from November 1st to Saturday 30th November at midnight via a public webpage which will be hosted by Eventmaster. This will be the only time period of which an application for entry to the KBC Dublin Marathon can be made.
  • Applicants will be obligated to enter all registrant information required to satisfy the 2020 event and will be charged €15 to enter. This fee will be refunded if not successful by the end of August 2020 or will be offset against entry fee if successful.
  • KBC Dublin Marathon to select successful lottery applications randomly but in a manner to ensure that the current balance of Irish and overseas runners and runners of all abilities is maintained.
  • Eventmaster will issue SMS to be sent to the successful applicants with a direct link to register for the event. Access link will direct the user to their registration page on the 2020 marathon event with the data from the lottery pre-populated – Name, email, gender, DOB, mobile will not be editable, ensuring that only the selected applicant can use that lottery link. Fee of €75 to enter (€90 less €15 already paid) + additional purchases and booking fee (€3) as normal. Successful applicants will have until MIDNIGHT 31st January to use the link. Email reminders will be issued.
  • Applicants who have been unsuccessful with will receive an email to inform them.
  • Any places not redeemed will be offered via lottery system to those originally unsuccessful from 4th February to 7th February 2020 with offers needing to be redeemed by 14th February.
  • Refund option opens from June 2nd to June 15th, 2020. A refund of 70% of the entry fee will be returned once your application has been accepted. The refund will be available on “Manage My Bookings” from your entry confirmation link. This will be the only opportunity to avail of a refund for 2020.
  • Any unallocated numbers to be offered to any unsuccessful lottery applicants on July 1st -July 7th, 2020 with offers needing to be redeemed by 14th July.
  • Refund issued of €15 to those that were unsuccessful
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