'I'm kinda nervous but doing it for fun': Excitement builds ahead Cork's famous mini marathon

The Echo Women's Mini Marathon will be back with a bang this year, kicking off it’s 43rd annual race with thousands expected to take part across Cork.

Positive anticipation ahead of tomorrow was clear to see as people began showing up in droves today at Millenium Hall in Cork city centre to collect their race numbers.

While spirits remained high, some people spoke to The Echo about their touching reasons for taking part in this year’s race, including Sinéad Kelly of Abbeyville Veterinary Hospital in Togher, who said: “There’s about twelve to fifteen of us doing it from the vets, and the reason we’re doing it is because my dad was in Marymount during the summer.

“They were just so good to him in there, so we did a fundraiser in work to raise money for them.

“Personally I’ve raised over €1,000 and the money is still coming in.

“They’re just brilliant, [and] I wouldn’t run across the road normally, but the fact that it’s for something that’s so close to home, I said I’d do it.

“I’m kind of nervous for it, it’s my first marathon, but we’re doing it for a bit of fun,” she added.

Audrey and Lily Lynch from Blackrock, alongside 18 other family members will also be taking part tomorrow, in honour of her sister and Lily's mother, Nicola, who passed away in May following a battle with cancer.

“My sister died earlier this year, and we’re doing it for her, and doing it for the Mercy [Hospital],” said Audrey.

“Both sides of my family will be doing it, there’ll be about 20 of us, if not more, so we’re looking forward to it now, [and] the weather is supposed to be nice.

“The Mercy were very good to her, they looked after her, and it’s very important for us to do this.

“We’ve donated privately all of us, and they [The Mercy] have sent us T-Shirts for tomorrow, so their name will be emblazoned on us,” she added.

Further speaking about the event, Mary Sweeney of Ballincollig, who has taken part in the annual race 40 times, said: “I’m competing because I’m able and grateful, and it’s a great day for it.

“Whether you’re a runner, a jogger, or a walker, it’s all about taking part.

“I absolutely love running, it’s one of the greatest gifts I think you can have, to be healthy.

“Whether you do a ten minute mile, a fifteen minute mile or a five minute mile, we’re all covering the 5km tomorrow and we’re all out there together for a reason,” she added.

“It’s amazing to see so many people out there with the same attitude and determination, it’s a day for all of us, it’s the peoples race.

“I think the Cork mini marathon, in my personal view, is one of the greatest events on the Munster calendar, and I want to say thank you to all the organisers and supporters, because without everyone, it wouldn’t happen.” 

The race, organised by Cork athletics, will kick-off tomorrow afternoon from Kennedy Quay at 1pm, and will see participants walk, run or jog the 5km distance to Kennedy Park.

For further information on the race route, or to stay up to date with final placings, visit: www.echolive.ie/minimarathon/.