Mini Marathon Marvels: Grey day in Cork brightened up by brilliant runners and walkers

THE Echo Women’s Mini Marathon brightened up a grey and cloudy Sunday as thousands took part in the 42nd annual race in Cork city.

Runners and walkers took on the biggest event of its kind in Munster with thousands of people participating in yesterday’s event.

One runner, Caroline Hennigan from Charleville, told The Echo that the lively mood that surrounded the Marina Park kept a smile on her face with each step.

“The running was tough now, but atmosphere was just brilliant with the crowds all around you. That’s what keeps you going.” 

The Mini Marathon got underway at 12 noon on Kennedy Quay, with participants taking part to raise funds for charities close to their hearts. 

While Cork Athlete Lizzie Lee of Leevale Athletics Club finished first in a time of 17 minutes and 19 seconds. 

Editor of The Echo Grainne McGuinness welcomed the crowds, saying, “It is wonderful to think of all the local groups and services that will benefit from the money raised by this great event.

Proud faces filled Kennedy’s Park yesterday as participants of the 42nd Echo Women’s Mini Marathon stopped to catch their breath and celebrate their achievements.

Thousands of elated runners crossed the finish line with a cheer as they raised money for a number of worthy charities, with some even achieving a personal best race time.

After receiving her medal, one such runner, Amy Goggin beamed with pride for both her personal and philanthropic achievements.

“I think my race time was 24 minutes and 34 seconds, so I am very happy with myself with that time. 

"I found it a little challenging now I must admit, but with all the people around you the adrenaline starts pumping and everyone just carried everyone else. There was just a great atmosphere which made it much easier. I definitely think I will treat myself with a lie down. I think I deserve it after that.” 

“I have two charities that are very close to my heart that I am running I aid of this morning. They are Down Syndrome Ireland and Diabetes Ireland. My sister has both of those and she is an absolute angel and a role model for us all,” she told.

Caroline Hennigan and Siobhan Sexton from Charleville were also celebrating at the finish line.

Ms Hennigan said: “The running was tough. We had a time of 25 minutes and 15 seconds so we will happily take that.” 

Having made the last-minute decision to take part, the pair are already looking forward to next year’s race.

NEW TRADITION

“We came down from Charleville for the day. We only signed up on Thursday would you believe, but we said we may as well give it a go. We will definitely be back next year for the Mini Marathon again. We were supposed to do a 5k at home, but we decided to take part here in Cork city instead today. It’s the start of a new tradition,” Siobhan Sexton added.

The Mini Marathon invited people from all walks of life and activity levels to take part. However, despite it being a women’s marathon, a few Cork men couldn’t resist the urge to get involved.

Donning a “Penney’s best” crop top and miniskirt, Dean Cummins from Farranree strutted the 5-kilometre route in aid of Cork ARC Cancer Support House.

He was joined by his teammates at Arc Rovers Football Club, who were also dressed to impress.

Speaking on their outfit choices, captain of the team, Mr Cummins said: “We just wanted to be a bit extravagant. You might as well do it well if you’re going to do it at all.” 

The team took part in the Mini Marathon to raise funds for the Wilton based Cork ARC Cancer Support House.

Also fundraising for an important cause was Aisling McCarthy from Rochestown, who were took part in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and Marymount Hospice:

“Our fundraising has been going great. Sarah, part of our group, has raised almost one thousand for our charities. She is only ten, so it has been brilliant. Other than that, we have gotten a few cash donations to add to that as well.”

 She said: “We are walking so we haven’t really been out training hard or anything, so we are just going to take our time and enjoy it. There is a big group of us here so it should good.” While some took on the new 5k route in their stride, others were making strides towards the finish line, with Lizzie Lee crossing the rostrum first.

She was closely followed by Leevale club

mate, Hannah Steeds, who said:

“It’s a great feeling to come in second. I am tired after it to be honest, I think the bends took it out of me just a little bit. It was a good race and we pushed it until the end.

“I definitely plan to rest myself tonight after that, just chill out, have a nice meal and treat myself to a glass of wine,” the athlete joked.

Speaking ahead of the race, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy encapsulated the positive atmosphere that surrounded the day.

“This marathon is everything that is great about the City; its sense of caring, its sense of place, its sense of camaraderie and its sense of spirit.

“My hope would be that everyone who attends our marathon today will come away with something: be it a positive feeling of happiness and joy, or an engagement with your fellow runners.”

Cork Athletics organised the race and All Ireland winning camogie captain Amy O'Connor and her teammates Aisling Egan and Molly Lynch brought the O'Duffy Cup to the start line as special guests.