Organisers of the Dublin Marathon have announced that participants from the 2017, 2018 and 2019 editions of the race will be assured of a place next year.
They've made the decision after becoming "aware of the concern caused by the changes to the entry process" following their announcement of a switch to a lottery system for the 2020 edition.
"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."
Anyone who took part in one of the last three marathons will receive a special code tomorrow and have up to 72-hours to confirm their place for 2020.
Organisers have also reassured club members that some places will be allocated outside the lottery:
"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".
