Latest news with #MiniMarathon
Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow woman paralysed for years recovers to walk 10k VHI Women's Mini Marathon
Setting off from Inch, just across the Wexford border, on her rollator with her dear friend and trainer Pat Byrne in tow, Arklow woman Leslie Kirwan took on the longest walk she has undertaken since she was diagnosed 15 years ago. An emotional journey for both Lesley and former Coral Leisure Arklow duty manager Pat, who have worked together at the centre to improve Lesley's strength and resilience, the dynamic duo were awestruck by the public's support along the way, and the huge crowd of friends and family who assembled at Tesco in Arklow to welcome them home. Still on cloud nine, Lesley said she has not only experienced highs and lows with her physical disability, but with her mental health, and hopes that her story will encourage others with mental health issues to seek support from family, friends and local organisations and groups. Reflecting on her achievement, Lesley paid tribute to all those who donated to her online fundraiser (which currently stands at €2,010), and gave a heartfelt mention to Pat, Coral Arklow and Open Door, which provides facilities and activities for adults with physical disabilities. 'The walk was tough going, but it was more emotional than anything else,' Lesley began. 'I had a brain tumour 15 years ago when I was in Australia, and I ended up in a wheelchair and couldn't talk or walk. I'm home now, being cared for by my family and my rehabilitation at Open Door in Bray, where I was attending full time, but I'm only doing it on Mondays and Tuesdays now for physio. 'When I arrived there first, I was introduced to a physio, and he had me walking and talking in four and a half years, and the rehab has been ongoing ever since. Open Door has been fantastic, and that's why I chose them as my charity for this fundraiser. 'I have to mention my gym, Coral Leisure Arklow, who have been fantastic with me from day one and is actually where I met Pat and where he brought me for the first time when I was in a wheelchair. 'He started training with me from then on and, in all the years I've been going there, I've just kept improving. 'It began with strength and restraint training and all the rest of that, and then it has developed into the Mini Marathon. 'I'm very lucky – that's the way I see it,' she continued. 'I'm very lucky that I could do the 10k, especially with Pat, who is my trainer and my friend. It was very emotional for both Pat and me, and also for my family to see the support from the community for us and the fundraiser. 'We got dropped off at Inch and walked back to Arklow, and there were a couple of passers-by who joined in to support us with the walk, and they walked the whole way with us, which was fantastic. 'We aimed for two and a half hours, and we finished it in two hours and nine minutes, which was very good. Deputy Brian Brennan joined us down at the start, and then everyone, including my mother, Cllr Peir Leonard, and Open Door, met us at Tesco, where they had balloons and a bit of bubbly. 'Our target was €1,000, and we're up to a little over €2,000 at the moment on the iDonate page, with some more cash to add from registered cards, so we're over the moon with people's generosity.' Astounded by Lesley's progress and proud to have helped her on her journey through rehabilitation, Pat, who served as Coral Leisure Arklow's duty manager for over two decades, said that his training partner's story and irrepressible attitude have inspired many an Arklow resident, himself included. 'Lesley is very modest, but she's a huge inspiration to everyone in the town, including myself,' Pat said. 'I used to be the duty manager at Coral Leisure Arklow, until I retired three years ago, and only for Lesley, I wouldn't have been back in the gym. So, she has helped me cut a bit of the weight I put on after my retirement! 'Everyone in the town knows her and everyone loves her, and it was great to see the support for her throughout the fundraiser, both in terms of people donating and showing their support on the day and the lead up to it.' Declaring her admiration and commending Lesley for completing her 10k challenge, Cllr Peir Leonard commented: 'I have the utmost respect and admiration for what she achieved with the support of Pat Byrne and Coral Leisure Centre and that her chosen charity is a very worthy one and I would encourage people to support it by donating to Lesley's iDonate page. 'I think Lesley has reminded us all that there is always a way to overcome life's obstacles and challenges if you have the willpower to.' 'Lesley's incredible efforts were an example to all of us of what can be done if you put your mind to something,' Deputy Brian Brennan added. 'Her positive attitude and inner strength were a joy to witness on Sunday. For Lesley to complete such a task for a cause close to her heart was a great achievement. 'I would also like to congratulate her family and support team, and a special mention to Pat Byrne, who never left Lesley's side.'
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.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Six major Dublin roads used by thousands set to close for up tp 35 hours ahead of Women's Mini Marathon
SIX major Dublin roads used by thousands are set to close for 15 hours in weeks due to the Women's Mini Marathon - and another busy street will be off limits for nearly two days. The 43rd Vhi Women's is set to take place in Dublin on Sunday, June 1. Advertisement 2 Six major roads will be closed for 15 hours or longer Credit: Getty Images - Getty Now in its 43rd year, the event is recognised as one of the largest all- Open to women aged 14 and over, the Mini Marathon welcomes runners, joggers and walkers of all And for 2025, the theme 'Championing Womankind' aims to highlight the unity and achievements of women across Ireland. The race will begin at 12:30pm from Fitzwilliam Place and follow a 10km route through the city before finishing on Lower Baggot Street. Advertisement READ MORE IN MOTORS Participants will pass through areas such as Leeson Street and And there are several major roads that will be closed for the event. The road will close at 8am on Saturday May 31 and remaining shut until 7pm June 1. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Five nearby roads including Herbert Lane, Pembroke Row, Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Fitzwilliam Place and Baggot Street Lower will be closed for 15 hours, from 4am to 7pm on race day. These closures will support key operational zones for the race, including the start line and medical near Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square. I'm an Irish driving instructor and here is why your friends are failing the test Streets such as Stephen's Green East, Stephen's Green South and Stephen's Green North will close later in the morning from 8:30am but reopen earlier at 5pm. Other roads like Cuffe Street, Merrion Street Upper, Advertisement Some nearby areas including Hume Street, Merrion Row, Ely Place and Merrion Square West will remain closed slightly longer from 8:30am until 6pm. The core race route will close some major roads from 11:30am to 4pm, including Leeson Street Lower and Upper, Donnybrook Road, Merrion Road and Nutley Lane. These closures will ensure the safety of participants while maintaining access for emergency and pedestrian Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is also considering closing a section of Stillorgan Road from Fosters Avenue to Belfield Bridge from 11:30am to 4pm on race day. Advertisement €250M RAISED FOR CHARITIES Traffic will be diverted via Fosters Avenue and Roebuck Road, with a full traffic management plan set to be released to guide drivers. Since it started in 1983, the event has helped raise an estimated €250 million for charities nationwide. Participants will be supporting hundreds of charitable causes and they'll wear customised t-shirts and colours to represent their chosen organisations. Advertisement And organisers say public transport is recommended as parking in the city centre is expected to be limited. For more information and a detailed, visit the marathon's website at Roads closed Sunday June, 1 HERE are the roads closed ahead of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon: Herbert Street 04 - 19.00 hrs Herbert Lane 04 - 19.00 hrs Pembroke Row 04 - 19.00 hrs Cumberland Road 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Street Upper 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Place 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Square North 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Square South 04 - 19.00 hrs Wilton Terrace 04 - 19.00 hrs Lad Lane 04 - 19.00 hrs Baggot Street Lower 04 - 19.00 hrs James's Street East 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Lane 04 - 19.00 hrs Fitzwilliam Street Lower 04 - 19.00 hrs Merrion Square East 04 - 19.00 hrs Merrion Square South 04 - 19.00 hrs Mount Street Upper 04 - 19.00 hrs Stephen's Place 04 - 19.00 hrs Baggotrath Place 04 - 19.00 hrs Stephen's Green East 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Stephen's Green South 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Stephen's Green North 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Kevin Street Lower 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Cuffe Street 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Merrion Street Upper 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Pembrook Street 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Dawson Street 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Kildare Street 08.30 - 17.00 hrs Hume Street 08.30 - 18.00 hrs Merrion Row 08.30 - 18.00 hrs Ely Place 08.30 - 18.00 hrs Merrion Square West 08.30 - 18.00 hrs Leeson Street Lower 10.00 - 16.00 hrs Earlsfort Terrace 10.00 - 16.00 hrs Hatch Street Lower 10.00 - 16.00 hrs Adelaide Road 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Leeson Street Upper 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Stillorgan Road (Fosters Avenue to Donnybrook Road) 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Donnybrook Road 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Herbert Place 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Nutley Lane 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Merrion Road (Ballsbridge to Merrion Gates) 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Morehampton Road 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Baggot Street Upper 11.30 - 16.00 hrs Pembroke Road 11.30 - 16.00 hrs 2 The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon takes place in less than three weeks Credit: Vhi Women's Mini Marathon
Extra.ie
09-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Family of late jockey Michael O'Sullivan to run half-marathon in his memory
The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory. 24-year-old Michael O'Sullivan died in hospital a week after sustaining injuries in a fall at Thurles Racecourse. The Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase before coming down, with the jockey requiring immediate medical attention. The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16. A fundraiser has been launched in Michael's memory with his brother Alan and cousin David running the Cork City Half Marathon, which takes place on June 1, as part of the fundraiser. All funds raised will go to charity Brú Columbanus, who offer free accommodation to families of patients in hospitals in Cork. Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16. Pic: Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock An iDonate for the fundraiser has been launched, with almost €30,000 raised so far. The page said: 'Alan and David O'Sullivan are taking on the Cork City Half Marathon to raise vital funds for Brú Columbanis, a charity close to their hearts. This run is in honour of their beloved brother & cousin, jockey Michael O'Sullivan, and in deep appreciation for the care and support their family received during a time of unimaginable difficulty. 'When Michael was in ICU in CUH, Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O'Sullivan family. It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days. 'It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced.' The charity, which offers free accommodations, survives solely on donations with the page noting that this is why Alan and David are 'lacing up their runners.' At the time of writing, €28,383 has been raised for the fundraiser with donations accepted until July 1, 2025. Donations can be made here. The Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon and Mini Marathon take place on Sunday, June 1.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Marathon weekend: Thousands take to London and Manchester
The London and Manchester marathons both take place this weekend with more than 90,000 people running the gruelling 26.2 mile courses through the UK's capital and northern metropolis. Both events are expected to bring in huge crowds of supporters, with friends and family lining the routes. So do you know anyone taking part in either event? If so, let us know in the comments section below and perhaps send us your messages of support - we may even read some on the Newsround bulletin. As well as the main event, the London Marathon weekend will feature the mini marathon. Read on to find out more. What is the London Marathon all about? The London Marathon, which has been taking place for the last 45 years, leads runners through some of England's capital's most iconic landmarks. The course begins at Greenwich Park and ends on The Mall, where runners will cross the finishing line after passing Buckingham mostly flat route takes in Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Big are a number of races all going on at the same time, including the elite men's, women's and wheelchair races, plus the mass event where members of the public hope to collectively raise millions of pounds for various charities. Amongst those running for charities, there will also be people hoping to break various world records, including: Fastest marathon in a firefighter's uniform and breathing apparatusFastest marathon dressed in a tentFastest marathon on crutchesIn this year's elite races, there is a whopping £98,000 bonus available to those who manage to break world records. Pre-race wees will help make bread.... Ewww! This year, urine - or wee - from thousands of female participants is set to be captured before the race and turned into fertiliser for wheat estimated 1,000 litres of wee will be collected from special women's urinals placed at the start of the race. Kate Chapman, head of sustainability at London Marathon Events said, "We are delighted that the urine from the urinals can be used for something so positive rather than going to waste." What is the Mini Marathon? On Saturday, school-age children from across the UK will head to central London to take part in the Mini Marathon. The don't have to run the full 26.2 miles - instead they will run or walk one mile (1.6km) for children in reception up to year seven, or 2.6 km (1.6 miles) for those between year four and year 12. They will get the chance to run up The Mall and cross the same iconic finish line as the adults' elite and mass event. Pupils who can't make it to the capital can also take part virtually from their own school. The young people who join in will be following in the speedy footsteps of 2024 Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, who competed in the Mini Marathon when she was a junior athlete. What do we know about the Manchester Marathon? The Manchester Marathon course leads runners through the south of the city and past Man United's Old Trafford football ground. The 2025 edition of the race has a new finish line outside the grand Manchester University building. Much like London, there will be elite races for men, women and wheelchair users. These races also double up as the 2025 England Athletics English Championships so there is prize money on offer for the top finishers. The weather is likely to play a key part in many participant's days - it is forecast to be a warm day so organisers have arranged extra water stations for runners to access.
