With just under four weeks to go until the 2026 Dublin City Council Dublin City Half Marathon, the finisher’s medal has been unveiled; inspired by the race’s North East Inner-City finish, the legacy of Luke Kelly, and the powerful community spirit that defines Dublin.
That connection to place, people, and movement is brought to life through the medal’s design.
Paying tribute to one of Dublin’s most iconic cultural figures, the medal features Luke Kelly, legendary singer of The Dubliners, and a proud son of Sheriff Street in Dublin’s North East Inner-City.
At its centre is the Luke Kelly statue, created by sculptor Vera Klute, which is located just steps from the finish line, grounding runners in the streets, stories and spirit of the community that welcomes them home.
For participants, the 2026 finisher medal is both a cherished keepsake and a powerful reminder of the North Inner-City streets where they will complete the 21.1km on Sunday, the 3rd of May. As residents, volunteers, supporters and families line the route, the medal captures the energy and emotion of that finish-line moment.
Equally, it represents a shared city-centre experience and the words at the heart of the race that continue to empower runners of all abilities and backgrounds – ‘Run Together, Thrive Together’.
The detailing around the outside of the lower half of the medal resembles artwork of musical notes from Luke Kelly’s banjo. Just like these notes, the Dublin City Council Dublin City Half Marathon is built on collective momentum. On race day, individual runners, like individual notes, will come together to create something greater.
Race Director Jim Aughney said, “Crossing the finish line is one of the most emotional moments of any race, and this medal aims to capture that through the authentic spirit of the North East Inner-City.
“At its heart, this race is about people coming together, and this design is a reminder that, whether through music or running, we are all connected.”
Chief Executive Officer, of Dublin Marathon Group Seán Ó Riain, added, “We are grateful to the Kelly family and to sculptor Vera Klute for their support and for granting permission to feature the Luke Kelly statue as part of the 2026 finisher’s medal design.
“The medal captures the streets, stories and community spirit that welcome runner’s home, embodying the spirit of ‘Run Together, Thrive Together.”