On your marks! Registration open for The Echo Women's Mini Marathon  

Registration has opened for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, now in its 45th year, which will be held on Sunday, September 20.

Organised and hosted by Cork Athletics, the mini-marathon will make its return along the traditional 6km route, beginning on Centre Park Rd and finishing just before Kennedy Park.

Michael Flynn, chairperson of the Cork Athletics Board, told The Echo: “It’s grown over the last three or four years since we’ve been out of covid. Last year, we had just short of 5,000 entrants and we’re hoping for similar numbers this year.”

In 2025, €1m was raised. “Last year, we saw a large increase in the number of charities that took part, and we’re hoping to see even more get involved this year. We’ll have a charity area in the Marina cordoned off.

“It’s our biggest opportunity to showcase athletics in Cork, the benefits of exercise, and raising money for charity. We hope as many women as possible come out and enjoy the day.”

Mary Corcoran, WoW editor and deputy lifestyle editor of The Echo, said: “Every September, thousands of people from all over Cork come together to take part in the mini marathon, and, in doing so, help to raise vital funds for charities and causes across the length and breadth of the county. 

"We’re delighted that registration is now open for this year’s event and are looking forward to welcoming familiar and new faces on September 20.”

In compliance with the rules of the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI), any non-AAI member taking part is now required to be covered by a one-day licence, issued directly by AAI at a cost of €2 per entry.

Cork Athletics said they are “extremely conscious of the impact of rising prices on families”, so will carry the cost of payment of the ODL, at least for this year, meaning that the registration fee for non-AAI members will be €2 cheaper.

The other change this year is that all participants must be 13 years or over on the day of the event.

Cork Athletics said they “are conscious that younger participants have taken part in previous years”, and hope that some family activities will be in place in Kennedy Park on race day.

Registration is open now at https://www.echolive.ie/minimarathon.