Parents of woman who died at Cork City marathon touched by tributes at event this year

Olivia Kelleher

The parents of a young woman who died not long after she reached the finish line in the Cork City Marathon last year have said that it means “more than words can express” that she is being remembered at the event this year.

Ellen Cassidy (24) of Carhoo, Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, became ill shortly after she completed the half-marathon on June 1st, 2025. She passed away at Cork University Hospital.

More than 200 of her family and friends will come together to run and walk this year’s Half Marathon and 10K events on May 31st.

Ellen’s name will also feature inside a yellow heart on all 2026 finisher medals.

Ellen Cassidy Perpetual Cups will be awarded for the Half Marathon, while an inaugural Ellen Cassidy Spirit of Running Award has also been established.

There will be a yellow balloon release ahead of the Half Marathon start, and a yellow memorial bench will be installed along the Marina Promenade in Cork City.

Her parents Tom and Vi say that the tributes being shown to Ellen mean the world to them following their huge loss.

“ It ensures that Ellen’s spirit will remain part of this special event and the city she loved. We encourage everyone to wear yellow on the day - Ellen’s favourite colour and one as bright as she was. We have set up a page called @TheEllenCassidyEffect where you can follow her journey.”

Eamon Hayes, Race Director, said that the response from the running community community has been incredibly moving.

“So many people will wear yellow on race day in Ellen’s memory, and we hope these tributes will reflect the love and support surrounding her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Ellen worked in cybersecurity for PVC, having achieved a first-class honours degree in Business Information Systems from University College Cork.

She was an accomplished swimmer who represented Dolphin Swimming Club, UCC, Munster and Ireland and was also a talented pianist.

Her friend Katie Walshe said that Ellen loved running and the camaraderie of training.

“It was never just about the distance for Ellen it was about taking part, the fun, the laughter, the encouragement and being surrounded by the people she cared about most.

"We’re running for her spirit, her kindness, her energy and the way she brought people together so effortlessly. We’re running because she would have been right there with us, motivating each one of us and smiling the whole way.”

Her family and friends have set up a charity fundraiser in her honour.

All donations raised on the GoFundMe page will be allocated to CRY Ireland, Down Syndrome Cork - Field of Dreams, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta House, St. John’s Ambulance, Focus Ireland and Marymount Hospice. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/ed7f409af