Cork City Marathon medals will pay moving tribute to Ellen Cassidy

Cork City Marathon has announced that this year’s finisher medals will carry a tribute to Ellen Cassidy, the 24-year-old runner who died following the event last year.

Ms Cassidy became ill after completing the Cork City half marathon last June, and later died at Cork University Hospital.

Her family and friends remembered her as a determined individual, who was a seasoned marathon runner and an avid swimmer, having been a member of the Dolphin Swimming Club and represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships.

Honour

Organisers of this year’s marathon event will honour the legacy of the young woman as part of the race series this summer, with her name inscribed inside a yellow heart on all three finisher medals.

The medals, which will be presented to participants in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K, feature a Claddagh ring-inspired design with clear distance markings on weighty metal and colour-coded ribbons.

Working closely with the family and friends of Ms Cassidy, who will also be taking part in the 10K and half marathon in her honour, organisers said they tried to come up with a tribute that is “thoughtful and respectful”.

Inclusion

Race director Eamon Hayes said this year’s medal drew inspiration from the Claddagh ring because “the race is built on solidarity and inclusion”.

“The medals are designed to reflect what the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon represents at its core — a serious sporting challenge and a test of resilience, but also a shared experience rooted in community, support and remembrance, marking the moment when months of training are finally rewarded,” said Mr Hayes.

“In 2026, our running community will also remember the life of Ellen Cassidy.

“Her friends and family will be taking part wearing yellow, her favourite colour, and Ellen’s name will appear on all three medals inside a yellow heart, representing the love felt for her by all who knew her.”

This year’s event will take place around the city centre on May 31 and is supported by Cork City Council and Analog Devices.

Media partners include the Irish Examiner.

For more information, registration links, and updates on race programming, visit  https://eventmaster.ie/event/w1PJiPySRQ.