Marathon Coach Hire has been named winner of the Logistics & Transport SME Company of the Year at the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2026, recognised for an innovative and resilient approach to transport that has proven a small, highly skilled team can deliver at scale — and with purpose.

Judges were clear on what made the entry stand out, saying, "Innovation and resilience defined this award-winning SME. Marathon Coach Hire showed how a small, highly skilled team can deliver large-scale event transport through agility, smart use of technology, and a fleet-free operating model. Strategic partnerships with more than 40 trusted operators, strong customer communication, and consistent year-on-year growth highlighted commercial foresight and operational strength."

"What truly elevated the achievement was the people-centred leadership, from mentoring staff without formal qualifications to creating seasonal opportunities for disadvantaged communities, all while encouraging local promotion that boosted passenger demand. A bold, modern approach to transport that proves size is no barrier to impact," the panel also stated.

Marathon Coach Hire's recognition reflects the standard the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards set for SME entries, where the strongest submissions go beyond commercial performance to demonstrate innovation, operational excellence, and a meaningful contribution to the people and communities they serve.

The Logistics & Transport SME Company of the Year award is given to organisations with fewer than 250 employees that can document excellence and innovation across any area of logistics and transportation over the past 12 months, with outcomes backed by clear facts, measurable results, and year-on-year statistics.

The 2026 awards gala took place on February 26, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

Visit the official Irish Logistics & Transport Awards website to explore the winners, meet the judges, and review categories. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates and event highlights.