Experts have warned there is ‘no evidence’ WB Yeats ever said the quote that is engraved on this year’s Dublin Marathon medal in his honour.

The design for this years’ medal was revealed last week – with marathon organisers using the opportunity to pay tribute to the Irish playwright and poet on the 100th anniversary of his Nobel Prize.

The medal is adorned with his picture and the quote, ‘There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t met yet’.

The quote has widely been attributed to Yeats over the year but there is no proof the poet actually said it.

This has been pointed out to Dublin Marathon organisers, who have said they plan to award the medal regardless.

Organisers said they discussed the medal with the Yeats Society last weekend and the organisation is “delighted with the sentiment of the medal playing tribute to Yeats”.

“The Dublin Marathon organisers have noted since their discussions with the Society that while this quote is widely attributed to Yeats it has never definitively been proven to be his quote.

“Nevertheless, it is a quote which reflects the values of the Dublin Marathon which is known worldwide as the ‘friendly marathon’."

The Dublin Marathon will take place on Sunday October 29th.

Last year, a record 25,000 people registered to take part in the competition.

Main image: Split of Yeats and the Dublin Marathon .