MarathonKids Ireland Launches 2026 Programme at Morton Stadium

MarathonKids Ireland officially launched its 2026 programme at Morton Stadium, bringing schools across Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council together for an eight-week journey focused on physical activity, health and wellbeing.

The launch was attended by representatives from the sports offices of Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council, alongside the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Luke Corkery.

The MarathonKids programme is open to primary schools within the two local authority areas. Over eight weeks, participating students will work towards completing the equivalent distance of a marathon through regular running, jogging and walking sessions.

Alongside the physical activity element, students will explore weekly topics covering healthy hearts, the physical, mental and social benefits of exercise, hydration, nutrition and the wider educational benefits of being active.

Teachers and students will be supported throughout the programme with dedicated educational resources and online content. Each participating student will also receive a MarathonKids Ireland workbook and T-shirt, together with a medal upon completing the programme.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Luke Corkery said, “It’s fantastic to see schools in Fingal avail of the Marathonkids programme, giving children the opportunity to get active and develop healthy habits from a young age.

"Marathonkids makes physical activity engaging and inclusive, while also teaching children about nutrition, wellbeing and teamwork. It's a brilliant initiative and Fingal is proud to be part of it."

Seán Ó Riain, founder of MarathonKids Ireland added,

“We are delighted to launch the 2026 MarathonKids programme at Morton Stadium and to continue working with Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council.

“The programme is designed to make regular physical activity enjoyable and achievable for children while helping them develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. It also gives schools a practical and engaging way to support physical activity, health education and wellbeing throughout the school day.

“I would like to thank both local authorities, their sports offices, the participating teachers and everyone involved in supporting the programme. We hope the students thoroughly enjoy the next eight weeks and feel a real sense of achievement as they progress towards completing their marathon.”

The programme will culminate in the MarathonKids Final Mile at Morton Stadium on Wednesday, 18 November 2026. The event will give participating students the opportunity to complete the final stage of their marathon journey alongside pupils from other schools and celebrate their achievement together.