Dublin Half Marathon medal pays tribute to legendary Luke Kelly
The finisher's medal for the Dublin city half marathon pays tribute to one of Dublin ’s most iconic cultural figures.
With less than four weeks to go until the Dublin City Council Dublin City Half Marathon, organisers have unveiled the 2026 finisher’s medal, which stands as a tribute to folk legend Luke Kelly and the heritage of the North East Inner-City.
The design draws direct inspiration from the race’s finishing line at Sheriff Street in Dublin’s North East Inner-City, the site of the iconic Luke Kelly statue created by sculptor Vera Klute. The monument stands just steps from where runners will complete their 21.1km journey, honouring the legendary Dubliners singer.
As residents, volunteers, supporters and families line the route, the medal captures the energy and emotion of that finish-line moment. It aims to represent a connection to place, people, movement, and the spirit of community that welcomes them home.
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 that they “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.”
Dublin City Council Half Marathon stated the medal 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. 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.
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