You can still register for the Echo Women's Mini Marathon this Sunday

The 45th annual Echo Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Cork this weekend, with thousands of runners expected from across Cork and beyond.

The event, hosted by Cork Athletics, has become one of the most anticipated races in Cork’s sporting calendar, and stands as one of the largest events of its kind across Munster.

Each year, participants in the event raise an estimated €1.5m for local, national, and international charities.

The 2026 Echo Women’s Mini Marathon race will take place on Sunday, September 20 from 1pm.

Speaking ahead of the race, editor of The Echo’s WoW! and Holly Bough, Mary Corcoran, said she is really looking forward to seeing everyone taking part on Sunday. 

“The Echo Women's Mini Marathon is such a special event,” said Ms Corcoran.

“It's such a privilege each year to see women and families from all across Cork and beyond come together and show their support for one another, all while raising awareness and funds for so many charities that are close to our hearts.” 

The traditional 6km route will return for this year’s edition of the race, seeing participants travel from the start line on Centre Park Road to the finish line on Monahan Road, just before Kennedy Park.

This year, there are prizes available for the first 10 female athletes to complete the race, which will be presented on the day.

Once racers have crossed the finish line, the winners will be directed from the course to a podium in Kennedy Park.

In addition, there are three prizes available in each category, which will be posted out to winners once the results have been checked and finalised.

As usual, wheelchair users and their assistants will start 15 minutes prior to other racers, at 12.45pm, with buggy and pram users to start at the rear of the wider racing group.

Vice-chairperson of the Cork County athletics board, Pat Walsh said the annual Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is “a great event for everyone involved”.

“We are absolutely delighted and really excited about this year's event,” said Mr Walsh.

“This year will be our 45th annual race, and personally, I have been involved for about 39 of them – so it’s been great to see it every year.

“It’s a great atmosphere, there’s so much effort put in by so many women gathering money for all different kinds of charities.

“It’s always a great success, and we’re expecting the same numbers as last year, so up around 4,500 participants.

Online registration for this year’s event is open until Saturday September 19 at 6pm.

To register for the event, visit: www.echolive.ie/minimarathon/.