Cork City Marathon raises over €484k for charities and community organisations

The Cork City Marathon saw race participants raise over €484,000 for Irish charities and community organisations, a 57% increase on the 2025 figure.

The highlight of this year’s marathon for many was seeing Cork turning yellow in memory of Ellen Cassidy, the 24-year-old who tragically passed away after the 2025 half-marathon.

More than 200 members of her family and friends came out to run in her memory, with the Ellen Cassidy fund raising €44,000 from the day.

Ellen’s father Tom Cassidy told The Echo that all of Ellen’s family and friends were blown away by the goodwill shown from the people of Cork and beyond.

“People were so generous in their giving to the Ellen Cassidy foundation,” Mr Cassidy said. “We were absolutely amazed as a family. I think Ellen’s story has really hit the hearts of the people in Cork city, Munster, and further afield.”

“The charities we are donating all of the monies to were charities very close to Ellen’s heart,” he said.

Cork city marathon race director Eamon Hayes added: “This year, there was particular poignancy in seeing the family and friends of Ellen Cassidy honour her memory through their participation and fundraising efforts in support of charities and causes that were close to Ellen’s heart.

“It is not just a race — it is a platform for hope, solidarity, and genuine impact in communities across Ireland.”

From the Cork city marathon as a whole, among the top beneficiaries from funds raised this year were Breakthrough Cancer Research, Marymount University Hospice, CUH Charity, and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

This year more than €436,300 for charities and community groups across Ireland was raised through the official Cork marathon Eventmaster fundraising platform, with €4,800 raised on idonate.

Cork-based charities featured strongly, with funds raised for organisations including Cork ARC Cancer Support House CLG, Down Syndrome Centre Cork, Cork City Hospital Children’s Club, and Cork Simon Community.