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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 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.
