More than 28,000 women filled the streets of Dublin in a sea of purple for the 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, which took place on the June Bank Holiday Sunday.

Now in its 43rd year, the world’s largest all-female event of its kind sold out in record time, drawing participants from across Ireland and beyond to celebrate this year’s theme, ‘Championing Womankind’.

The 10K race was won by Grace Richardson of Kilkenny City Harriers AC, who crossed the finish line in 34:17. She was closely followed by Claire Fagan of Mullingar Harriers AC in 34:35, and Jessica Craig of North Down AC in 34:55.

In the Visually Impaired category, Sinead Kane from Le Chéile AC, lobng time friend of Sport for Business and a former star of an Allianz TV ad campaign claimed top honours with a time of 44:26.

The event began at Fitzwilliam Square at 12:30pm, with women of all ages and abilities, from first-timers to seasoned veterans, taking part. Among them were a number who have run every year since the event’s inception in 1983, along with participants as young as 14 and as old as 89.

There was a significant increase in younger participants this year, with race organisers attributing the shift to the rise of local running clubs and community-driven fitness groups that have helped to make running more accessible and social.

Spectators lined the route to offer cheers and encouragement, helping create a festival atmosphere throughout the city. Two popular features helped maintain the high spirits: the return of the Vhi FanCam, which broadcast motivational messages from friends and family at the start line and again at the 8KM mark on Nutley Lane; and the new Race Day Live—a TV-style broadcast that aired at the start and finish lines, showcasing elite competitors and telling the stories of everyday participants.

One of the day’s standout moments came as DJ Mark McCabe delivered a surprise live performance of Maniac 2000—the song chosen as this year’s start line anthem. As the first notes rang out and the sun broke through the clouds, thousands of women danced their way into the race.

This year’s event also saw the debut of Lapee, a hot pink women’s urinal designed for speed and sustainability. Capable of serving three women at a time, the unique feature sparked plenty of curiosity, and conversation, among the runners, and was one of a number of sustainability initiatives introduced this year.

Vhi ambassadors including Nathalie Lennon, Katja Mia, Aimee Connolly and Clóda Scanlon were active in the build-up to race day. Over the past three months, Lennon in particular offered training plans and nutrition advice tailored to walkers, joggers, and runners alike.

At the finish line on Lower Baggot Street, participants were awarded medals to mark their achievement. Post-race celebrations included sponsor activations and giveaways, contributing to a carnival-like atmosphere.

Fundraising also played a major role, with over €2 million raised through official partner iDonate. This brings the total raised since the marathon began in 1982 to more than €255 million, supporting a wide range of charities and causes.

Race Director David O’Leary described this year’s event as one of the most exciting yet. “From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about,” he said. “Congratulations to every woman who took part.”

Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications at Vhi, echoed the sentiment: “The energy, determination, and positivity present today is truly inspiring. Whether you walked, jogged or ran, it’s a superb achievement to cross the finish line.”

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The joy of having 28,000 Women putting themselves first and running for so many good causes makes this one of the most uplifting events of the year.  Overcoming clashes with Bloom, A Dublin Armagh Championship clash at Croke Park and no Southside darts was all in a day’s work for the organisers.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Sport for Business will host the 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference this November, in partnership with Lidl.  Get in touch if you’d like to be involved this year.

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