Mighty mini marathoners: Sun, smiles and spirits high as thousands enjoy annual event

The 43rd Echo Women’s Mini Marathon kicked off in a flurry of colour and positivity from Kennedy’s Quay today, with the sun escaping from behind the clouds to encourage everyone at the starting line.

With more than 4,000 people taking part in this year’s race, from all across Cork and beyond, it was heartwarming to see so many people of all ages and abilities come together to support a great cause.

The annual event, hosted by Cork Athletics, is the largest of its kind on the Munster calendar, and raises an estimated €1.5m every year for selected charities.

Prior to the race, Echo Women's Mini Marathon brand ambassador, Brenda Dennehy said: “The atmosphere is electric, It’s so special to be here and I’m so proud to be a part of it.” 

Crowds were welcomed by The Echo’s WoW! Editor, Elaine Duggan, who gave participants some words of encouragement before setting off on the 5km journey. 

“The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is anything but mini," said Elaine.

“The efforts of everyone raising funds for worthy causes is anything but mini too, in fact, it’s the opposite, it’s mighty.”

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, who was also in attendance to see the race participants off with a smile, said: “The mini marathon is an institution in Cork at this stage, and as Lord Mayor it’s a huge privilege to be here to acknowledge the effort that people are putting in and to see the enjoyment that people get out of it.” 

One running duo, mother Lynsey Galvin and daughter Sophia Galvin, 12, from Watergrasshill, told The Echo that running for a cause that is close to home is what drove them on throughout the 5km stint.

“We ran for Pieta [House] because my cousin committed suicide in April, and that was our motivation,” said Lynsey.

“Pieta is very important, because a lot of people are affected by mental health, so we wanted to raise as much money and awareness as possible.

“I really liked the route, it was flat and easy to manage, [and] we did it in the time we wanted,” she added.

“We’ll definitely be back next year, it’s a fantastic day, and a great accomplishment.” 

The race got underway at 1pm, with Cork athlete Sinead O’Connor, of Leevale Athletics Club, securing the first place position at the finish line with a time of 17 minutes and 18 seconds.

The Cork woman, now a three time winner of the annual event, said: “I’m thrilled, I just had a second baby in January, so I’m really happy with that.

“It’s my favourite race of the year."

Another family duo, granddaughter Paige Collins-Lynch and grandmother Caroline Lynch, who was recently given “the all clear” following a battle with breast cancer, said that they were “buzzing” to be a part of the day’s celebrations.

“I’m very proud,” said Caroline, who was running on behalf of The Mercy University Hospital. “I wanted to give back today to everyone who helped and supported me along the way.” 

As the race came to a close, happy faces filled Kennedy Park, with thousands of participants rejoicing in the fresh air with free teas and coffees, and live music to keep the good spirits going.

After getting their medals, and snapping a few celebratory photos, Carol Fanning, Megan Carty, and Ailish Collins, who are all nurses at Cork University Hospital (CUH), said they felt great following the race, and were looking forward to their evening of celebrations.

“It was a lovely buzz, the atmosphere was amazing, everyone should do it,” said Carol.

Mary Sweeney, who has now competed 40 times in the race, said: “I’m delighted, just take one look, the buzz is amazing, it’s super."

Another runner, Saoirse Twomey, 17, of West Muskerry Athletics Club said: “It was great, it was nice to see everyone having fun.” 

Editor of The Echo, Gráinne McGuinness said: “The atmosphere in Kennedy Park highlights how massive the mini marathon is for Cork. There's nothing like it.

“Well done to Cork Athletics and everyone involved in organising the event and most of all well done to everyone who took part.”