On your marks, get set, go! Registration open for The Echo Women's Mini Marathon 

Ready, set, go! Registration has officially opened for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon 2025.

Now in its 44th year, the event is hosted by Cork Athletics and will feature a new 6km route on Sunday, September 21.

The event raises approximately €1.5m for charities each year, and is one of Cork city’s best-loved sporting and social events.

“Every year, thousands of people from across the length and breadth of Cork take part in the mini-marathon and help raise vital funds for causes close to their hearts,” said Mary Corcoran, the editor of WoW! and deputy lifestyle editor of The Echo.

“We are delighted that registration is now open for this year’s event, and look forward to joining people from across the city and county in taking part in this wonderful event on September 21.”

It has long been a tradition for participants in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon to raise money for charities through sponsorship.

John Quigley, of Cork Athletics, highlighted the important role charities play in the race each year: “It has always been a charity-focused event, but last year we invited charities to come along for a showcase for the first time and are hoping to build on that this year.

“It was received really well last year by both the charities and race participants.

“We are also delighted to be able to utilise the new Marina Promenade in this year’s race,” Mr Quigley said.

The winner of the 2024 event, Sinéad O’Connor, also welcomed the inclusion of the recently-opened Marina Promenade as part of the 2025 event.

“I hope to take part again this year and am looking forward to going back up to the 6km. I love that 6km route, and it is just such a special event.”

Laura Crowe, who last won the event in 2017, has said that the buzz around the day is “something special” and, despite giving her running shoes a break, she wouldn’t miss it.

“I will be there on the day to give a hand,” she said.

“It is great to be able to give back on what is just a great day out atmosphere-wise, and the amount of people collecting for charities is brilliant.”

The Echo, which has been involved with the mini marathon since its inception, is equally proud of this great event. Get full details and register now at echolive.ie/minimarathon