Over 25,000 women run to raise funds for charities across Ireland

Over 25,000 women turned Dublin City purple at the sold-out Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon today. The event drew women from all four corners of Ireland, for what is known as the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

As the gun went at 12.30pm, entrants left the start line at Fitzwilliam Street Upper to run, jog and walk the 10KM route, with many doing it for charitable causes close to their hearts.

Since the inaugural event in 1983, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has raised an estimated €250 million for charities across Ireland and is widely regarded as the most important single-day fundraising event in Ireland. 

Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick AC leads 25,000 women to win first place at the 2024 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon with a time of 33:23.

Second to cross the line was Meghan Ryan from Dundrum South Dublin AC with a time of 34:54, followed by Maebh Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers AC with a time of 35.02.

Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC took home first place in the Elite Visually Impaired category with her time of 45:40.

2024 saw the introduction of pacers at the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. A team of expert pacers, sponsored by the event’s Official Timing Partner, Citizen, helped to guide those aiming for a 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minute finish time to maintain their pace throughout the race.

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon attracts women from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, abilities, and fitness levels. The youngest participant in this years event is just 14 years of age, while the oldest is  a 93-year-old, highlighting the event’s broad appeal and the remarkable determination of its participants.

Each year, approximately 20% of the participants are first-time entrants. However, for a dedicated group of veterans who have competed annually, this year will commemorate their 42nd consecutive Women’s Mini Marathon.

David O’Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon expressed his congratulations and gratitude to everyone involved: “This has been a truly magnificent day. Congratulations to all the participants of the 2024 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon – you are the essence of this event! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of 900 volunteers who join us year after year and are instrumental in carrying out such a safe and well-organised event.”

He continued: “We are so grateful to the dedicated charities that support our event each year, and of course our sponsors for their invaluable involvement, in particular our title sponsor, Vhi, whose support is vital to the success of this event.”

Brian Walsh, Chief Executive, Vhi Group said:“Vhi is very proud of our partnership with the Women’s Mini Marathon which is now in its tenth year. It’s a partnership that aligns so well with our purpose of helping our members to live longer, stronger, healthier lives, and today’s event which was sold out was a fitting way to mark a decade of collaboration. A huge congratulations from all at Vhi to the many thousands of women who took part today, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere on the streets of Dublin. Whether you walked, jogged or ran, it’s a superb achievement to cross the finish line of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.”

As each participant crossed the finish line at Lower Baggott Street, they were awarded with a medal to commemorate and celebrate their achievement.