Are you taking part in The Echo Women's Mini Marathon? Tell us why 

The countdown is well and truly underway to The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon.

Organised and hosted by Cork Athletics, the event will make its return along the traditional 6km route on September 20.

The mini marathon begins on Centre Park Road, finishing just before Kennedy Park.

Last year, in the region of 5,000 people took part in the event and participants raised significant awareness and funds for Cork charities.

Michael Flynn, chairperson of the Cork Athletics Board, previously told The Echo: “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.”

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories from some of this year’s participants about why they are getting involved and the charities they are supporting.

If you would like to tell us why you are taking part in the 2026 Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, get in touch with us by emailing mary.corcoran@theecho.ie or fill in the form below. 

With just weeks to race day, we’re also providing a training plan to help you get ready for this year’s event.

Whether you’re starting from the couch, returning to exercise, or simply looking for a new challenge, this training programme, supplied by Mindset Fitness, is designed to help you build fitness gradually and confidently.

Following the plan will help improve your endurance, increase your confidence, and guide you step by step from walking to jogging, with the goal of completing the 6km distance on race day. Remember, everyone’s journey is different. Listen to your body, progress at your own pace, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Every step you take over the next six weeks will bring you closer to crossing that finish line.

Our training plan is available online and each Wednesday in The Echo.

To register for this year’s event, or view the training plan, see  https://www.echolive.ie/minimarathon/