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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tens of thousands take to streets on rainy bank holiday weekend
Tens of thousands of people ran, danced and smelled the roses yesterday on rainy Bank Holiday weekend. In Dublin, more than 28,000 women took to the streets yesterday in what is being hailed as the most successful ever Vhi Women's Mini Marathon. The sold-out event, now in its 43rd year, reached its maximum capacity in record time. The iconic race drew women from every corner of Ireland, with participants travelling from all over the country for what is now one of the largest all-female events in the world. It was won by Grace Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers in a time of 34 minutes and 17 seconds. Participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels came together under this year's theme, 'Championing Womankind' – a celebration of the strength, resilience and support that women bring to every step of their journey. Among them were first-timers, seasoned athletes, and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. The organisers claimed the shift in demographics this year was a new development, with a surge in younger women taking part. This is a trend that the organisers credit in part to the rise of social and community-focused running clubs across the country. Organisers are expecting to raise millions of euro for charities and they revealed that the event has raised more than €255million since it began in 1982. The 10km event began at Fitzwilliam Square, with runners, joggers and walkers making their way through the heart of Dublin. The runners were cheered on by thousands of spectators who lined the streets along the route. New for 2025 was the launch of Race Day Live, a one-hour TV-style programme broadcast live on screens at the start and finish areas. The show celebrated the elite field of athletes battling it out at the front, and offered live coverage as the race unfolded and was available on YouTube Live feed. After crossing the finish line at Lower Baggot Street, each participant was awarded a medal to commemorate their achievement. Across the finish line in second place was Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC followed by Jessica Craig of North Down AC. Sinead Kane from Le Cheile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category. David O'Leary, race director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon said this year's race was one of the best ever. He said: 'The 2025 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet. 'From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about. 'Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Siochana, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi.' In Cork, the city's marathon was won by Chris Jeuken from Co Clare, while Evelyn Twomey was the first woman to finish the race. Jake O'Regan and Niamh Allen won the half-marathon and the 10km men's race was won by Fearghal Curtin, with Hannah Steeds winning the women's 10km. The marathon had 550 international participants from over 26 countries. More than 1,000 volunteers helped organise and supervise the event. Also in Dublin yesterday thousands turned out for the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park to see the spectacular garden displays and sample the food onoffer. The festival, which kicked off last Thursday, continues today from 9am. Elsewhere in the capital the Forbidden Fruit Festival kicked off the country's summer music with Underworld headlining the main stage at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. In the midlands the Kilkenny Bike Fest was in full swing yesterday with dozens of events around the country aimed at encouraging a new generation to embrace cycling for health, fun, and sustainable travel.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
The best photos as close to 30,000 women turn Dublin purple for Mini Marathon
28,000 women turned the streets of Dublin purple on Sunday for the 2025 VHI Women's Mini Marathon. The event, now in its 43rd year, is more popular than ever, and spots on the starting lineup were sold out in record time. With a theme this year of "Championing Womankind", women came from all over the country to run in the race. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. The race was won by Grace Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers in a time of 34:17, with Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC finishing second in 34:35. Sinead Kane from Le Chéile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category with her time of 44:26 in the 10km event. iDonate, the event's official fundraising partner, reported a massive total of over €2 million and counting, bringing the cumulative amount raised by the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon to well over €255 million since its inception in 1982. David O'Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon said: 'The 2025 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet. "From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about. "Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi.' Laurna and Evilin celebrate with a hug after finishing the race (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 1 of 12 Participants celebrate finishing with their medals (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 2 of 12 A participant celebrates whilst running through the finish line (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 3 of 12
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin attracts 28,000 participants
Some 28,000 women (and some men) filled Dublin city streets from Fitzwilliam Place to Merrion Square on Sunday morning for the Women's Mini Marathon. The winner of the 10km event was Grace Richardson (26), from Kilkenny City Harriers, who crossed the line after 34 minutes and 17 seconds. She followed in the footsteps of her sister Aoibhe, who won the race in 2019, and her other sister Niamh, who came third in last year's event. Grace Richardson, from Kilkenny City Harriers, winner of the 2025 Women's Mini Marathon. Photograph: Alan Betson Among those who signed up for the race were first-time runners, seasoned athletes and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. Orla O'Rourke from Stepaside was hoping to jog half of the route but said she may well be 'reduced' to walking the remaining five kilometres. READ MORE Ms O'Rourke said she had just returned from England on Saturday night, getting off the aircraft at midnight. Orla O'Rourke (left) and Leanne Culligan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin on Sunday. Photograph: Tim O'Brien She said she would not miss the mini marathon as she was running in memory of her mother, Marie Hendley, who passed away from cancer some years ago. She was running with her friend Leanne Culligan from Belgriffin. Ms Culligan she had cancer some years ago and was running to raise awareness of the disease. At the corner of Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Street, giant screens showed crowds of runners waiting at barriers from Lower Mount Street to Leeson Street Upper. Friends and families supported from behind barriers. Over the loudspeakers, drag artist Dame Stuffy from 98FM could be heard commenting on the countdown to the start of the race. 'I feel like [it's] New Year's Eve,' she said. 'Where is the prosecco? Can we have a round of applause for the sunshine?' she asked, as some ominous-looking clouds parted. On the corner of Upper Mount Street was a runner called David Nolan, who had a questionable auburn hair arrangement. He said he was running to support his sister Yvonne Nolan, who was standing beside him. 'We are running for Saplings Rathfarnham, a school for autism,' said Ms Nolan. 'I am just here to help,' her brother added. Yvonne Nolan and her brother David Nolan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in aid of Saplings School in Rathfarnham. Photograph: Tim O'Brien Further numbers of men in brightly coloured wigs wore running tops with the words 'in memory of Cathy' on their backs. Earlier, VHI mini-marathon 'ambassador' Nathalie Lennon, from Baltinglass, in Co Wicklow, confessed to having nerves. As ambassador and a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, she had devised three fitness programmes for runners, joggers and walkers. 'I am nervous yes, but it is a good sign that you care and have a passion after the long days of training,' she said. Fellow ambassador Clóda Scanlon, originally from Co Tipperary but living in Dublin, said she was hoping to complete the 10km in about an hour and 20 minutes. 'I have been playing sport all my life and was playing camogie in Tipperary for the under-16s,' she said. Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC came second in the mini marathon with a time of 34.35. Jessica Craig of North Down AC took third place with 34.55. Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC won the visually impaired category with a time of 44.26. Separately, Cork County Council said it was 'deeply saddened' to confirm a participant in the Cork City Marathon died on Sunday. 'The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.' It is understood the woman, who was in her 20s, became unwell after crossing the finish line on Patrick Street.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Grace Richardson makes it a family affair in VHI Women's Mini Marathon win
In 2018, Aoibhe, the eldest of the four Kilkenny sisters, won the VHI Mini Marathon. Last year, Grace, the second eldest, and Maebh, the baby of the family, finished third and fourth. This year, it was Grace and Aoibhe who were lining out and it quickly became clear that this might be the year of Grace. At the 4km mark on the Stillorgan Road, the sisters were part of a group of four that included Jessica Craig (North Down AC), and Claire Fagan (Mullingar Harriers). After all four were given a halfway time of 17 minutes 39 second, Grace moved up a gear and began pulling away. Down Nutley Lane and through leafy Ballsbridge, she steadily increased her lead and when she finished in a time of 34 minutes 17 seconds, had eight seconds to spare. Fagan, who had done her best to stay in touch was rewarded with the runners-up position in a time of 34:25, while third was Craig in 34:55. Aoibhe Richardson faded slightly in the closing stages of a tough race but still finished a worthy fourth behind her sister in 35:03. Not too far behind was mother Niamh, who finished second W55 in 42:08. Niamh is a mini marathon stalwart, never quite managing to win the race, but finishing second in 1991, third in 1992 and second again in 1993 — and still capable of making up a formidable Kilkenny City Harriers team with two or even three of her daughters. Aoibhe Richardson was by no means the only previous winner lining out for this 43rd version of what is the unofficial Irish women's 10km championships. First master overall, as well as first over 55 for a third year, was the evergreen Annette Kealy (Raheny Shamrock AC), who had won the 2008 race when already over 40 and after many years of trying. This year, she finished 18th overall in 38:49 , about the same time as a year earlier. She's also a practising barrister and mother of four. Then there's Christine Kennedy (Galway City Harriers) the 1990 winner and another mini marathon regular. Kennedy went on to win the Dublin Marathon in 1990 – clearly a good year for her – and again in 1991. Last year, Kennedy finished first W65 in the mini marathon; this year she was first W70.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It's an amazing atmosphere' – feel-good day in the capital as 28,000 take part in VHI Women's Mini Marathon
The first day of June showed early signs of a dreary day out for the 28,000 taking part in the annual run. There were spits of drizzle throughout the morning and an unseasonable breeze blew around the capital, but by early afternoon the sun was shining bright to bring a day more befitting the season. Moving through the city centre, it was clear the weather would be no deterrent regardless. Hours before the 12.30pm start-time, the streets were dotted with the purple t-shirts synonymous with an event now in its 43rd year. Among the competitive runners on the day, it was Grace Richardson of Kilkenny City Harriers who took first place with a time of 34:17. She was followed by Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC In third place was Jessica Craig of North Down AC on 34:55. The Visually Impaired category was won by Sinead Kane from the Le Chéile Athletic Club with a time of 44:26. More than €2 million has already been raised this year alone, bringing the total amount of money raised by the Mini Marathon up to more than €255 million since it was first held in 1982. Many taking part in the Mini Marathon do so for a good cause, including Castleknock woman Amy Kane, her sisters Kim and Erin Lynch and large group of other family and friends. The group were running in aid of the LauraLynn Children's Hospice, and all wore t-shirts with the LauraLynn logo and pictures of Ms Kane's baby daughter Grace, who sadly died just three months after she was born. 'My little girl Grace was under the care of LauraLynn,' Ms Kane said. 'She was unfortunately diagnosed with meningitis when she was 18 days old. She was under the care of LauraLynn and she passed away at three months old. ADVERTISEMENT Ms Kane said the care provided by LauraLynn wasn't just for Grace, but also for the entire family. 'Grace was a triplet, so her sisters Cara and Chloe were premature as well, they were born at 32 weeks. We had to stay in LauraLynn for three weeks before Grace passed away. Ms Kane described how the charity had cots for Cara and Chloe. Their brother James was only 18 months old at the time, so they had a toy corner for the toddler. 'It was just after Covid and they made it possible for all our family and friends to come in and meet Grace before she passed away. They're amazing, we're still very close to them and we'll continue to support them.' Blanchardstown neighbours Stephen McGovern and Charlie and Aileen Boyd, running separately for different causes, ran into each other on their way to the starting line. Decked out in a blonde wig and short shorts, Mr McGovern had already raised €500 for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. He said for every €10 he raised, a strip of hair was waxed from his legs and sure enough, his legs were hairless. He was running in memory of his aunt Eilish, who died following a battle with the disease. 'My aunt passed away from Motor Neuron about 12 years ago and between myself and a few other family members, we've always raised money,' he said. 'It's a disease that has no cure at the moment, so helping families get the support that they need and getting the charity the funds that they deserve is the right thing to do.' Mr McGovern said he is conscious of the Mini Marathon being an event for women, but he felt running for a woman who can no longer run it herself anymore was appropriate. 'I've always believed the Women's Mini Marathon is a women's event, but men should do it if they're raising money for a women's charity or in place of a woman who can't run. "So, raising money in that direction is the right thing to do and since it's such an amazing atmosphere, supporting her since she's passed, it makes it more fun.' Further south, the Cork City Marathon and Half Marathon races were also held on Sunday, where Clare man Chris Jeuken of Derg AC took first place in the marathon, just three weeks after winning the Limerick half marathon. Mr Jeuken, who finished with a time of two hours, eighteen minutes and 55 seconds, was greeted at the finish line by his girlfriend Olivia Gurnett who herself ran the 10km race today. The leading woman in the Cork City Marathon was Evelyn Twomey with a time of two hours and 54 minutes. A total of more than 11,000 people took part across the marathon, half marathon and 10km in Cork including 550 international runners from 26 countries.
