‘It Was Like a Stampede!’ – Dublin Overrun by Runners in Unprecedented…see more 👇

DUBLIN – What began as an ambitious new entry in the city’s athletic calendar turned into an electrifying, almost surreal spectacle as thousands of runners surged through the streets in the first-ever Dublin City Half Marathon. Eyewitnesses described scenes of “sheer chaos and energy” as the capital was temporarily transformed into a sea of pounding feet, flashing bibs, and cheering crowds.

City officials had expected a turnout of around 5,000. Instead, over 18,000 registered participants — with hundreds more joining unofficially — flooded into the city center early Saturday morning, catching both organizers and authorities off guard.

“It was like a stampede,” said local shop owner Mairead Donnelly, who arrived at work to find her usual street blocked off and dozens of runners warming up outside her bakery. “There were people running, shouting, some in costumes — it was mad! I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Overwhelming Enthusiasm

The inaugural event was meant to offer a mid-distance challenge for seasoned runners and beginners alike. Organizers promoted the race as a scenic urban route weaving through some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, from the Liffey to the Liberties, and the Phoenix Park to O’Connell Street. But even they didn’t anticipate the level of interest it would generate.

“We were blown away,” said event coordinator Liam Byrne. “The registration site nearly crashed within the first hour. We expected a strong debut, but nothing like this. It’s a logistical miracle we pulled it off.”

Despite the crowds, the atmosphere remained overwhelmingly positive. Spectators lined the route waving signs and flags, while live bands and DJs kept spirits high. There were even reports of spontaneous dance breaks mid-race.

“I didn’t even plan to run,” said 24-year-old student Niamh Kelleher, who joined after cheering on a friend. “But the energy was so contagious. I jumped in at kilometre three and just kept going.”

Moments of Chaos

Still, the sheer volume of participants created challenges. Bottlenecks formed in narrow areas, and a minor pile-up occurred at the 10K mark when a runner tripped near a water station. Paramedics responded quickly, and no serious injuries were reported.

Local traffic was heavily disrupted, with many residents voicing frustration on social media over limited notice and rerouted buses. “We love a good race,” tweeted one user, “but maybe tell us when half the city’s going to be closed next time?”

Gardaí later confirmed they had to increase crowd control staff on short notice as more runners than expected turned up on the morning of the event. Still, no arrests were made, and officers praised the crowd’s overall behavior.

A New Dublin Tradition?

Despite the hiccups, the inaugural Dublin City Half Marathon is already being hailed as a resounding success by participants and organizers alike. Discussions are underway about making it an annual event — possibly even expanding to a full marathon in future years.

Lord Mayor Evelyn Greene praised the city’s response. “Today showed the very best of Dublin — energy, resilience, and community spirit. There were challenges, of course, but there’s no question this race has captured the city’s heart.”