Charities appealing for support ahead of 2025 mini marathon

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025 - 07:11

The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 21, and a number of local charities are encouraging people to consider raising funds for them by taking part in the event.

Among them is the Mercy Hospital Foundation, which is urging people to consider joining #TeamMercy to help continue to fund advancements in research and diagnosis, and provide services that support people in a wide variety of ways.

“The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is the feelgood event of the year, with dozens of women walking, jogging and running under the #TeamMercy banner.

“The atmosphere is always special with people participating in support of loved ones, in memory of someone special, and to show their support and gratitude to the staff of ‘The Mercy’ for the care they show patients and their families,” the Mercy Hospital Foundation says on its fundraising website.

Cork-based charity, Breakthrough Cancer Research, is also urging people to consider taking part in the mini-marathon and in doing so, raise vital funds for them.

“It’s a day of fun, fitness, and fund-raising and it’s open to everyone! And every step you take helps fund research into new, better, smarter, kinder treatments and diagnostics for people with cancer.

“Sign up solo or gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a memorable day out. Your support can help us #MakeMoreSurvivors,” it said in an appeal on social media.

People supported by Horizons, their families, and staff are also preparing to take on The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon.

The Cork-based charity, which supports more than 2,800 children and adults with an intellectual disability and / or autism to live an independent life, is urging people from across Cork city and county to help raise money to maintain and expand its services.

Last year, the team raised more than €4,500 from The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon which went towards specific housing projects to empower people to live in their own homes and be part of their chosen community.

Rachel Palmer, Senior Dietitian with Horizons, said: “ The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is a chance to celebrate that, to move our bodies, nourish them well, and raise vital funds for a Cork charity that truly changes lives. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, you’re showing up for people with disabilities and helping build a future where everyone can thrive.”

Ahead of The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, representatives from Cork Athletics have met with a number of local charities, and they are encouraging any charity that wishes to contact them in relation to the race to reach out to them at charity@corkathletics.org.

Those looking to support a chosen charity by taking part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon are encouraged to contact their chosen charity directly.

Last year, race organisers created a special charity meeting point where participants from various groups could meet on the morning of the race before it began, and where charities could showcase their activities.

The charity meeting point will return this year and will be based at the Marina Market.