Title sponsors Vhi announced on Sunday that they have extended their title sponsorship of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for a further three years.

The extension marks the continuation of a successful partnership that began in 2014 and has seen hundreds of thousands of women participate in the event, raising millions for charities nationwide and supporting women in their pursuit of health and fitness goals in the process.

Over 20,000 women took to the streets of Dublin for this year’s event on Sunday. This was the 41st year of the event, which since its inception has raised over €226 million for charities in Ireland.

The competitive race was won by Nakita Burke from Letterkenny A.C. in a time of 34:27. Courtney McGuire from Clonmel A.C. was second across the finish line in 34:33, and Teresa Doherty from Finn Valley A.C. placed third in 34:58..

Shauna Bocquet from Craughwell, Galway won the Elite Wheelchair Category in a time of 26:59.

For the bulk of participants though this is about taking part. The youngest to run this year was 14 and the oldest was 93 years old.

“Congratulations to the many thousands of women who took to the streets of Dublin again this year,” said General Manager of the Event, David O’Leary.

“There’s no other event like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon; the sense of celebration and camaraderie, the emotion, the laughter and the fun atmosphere all make the day so special.”

“We’re proud to be able to produce an event which means so much to all women.”

“I’d like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who each year give so generously of their time to help make this event happen, as well as the community groups and charities who continue to support the event year after year.”

“And of course, I’d like to thank the women of Ireland for coming out in their thousands. I would particularly like to mention our wonderful sponsors, and in particular our title sponsors Vhi. We’re delighted to be able to announce the extension of our partnership for the next three years and look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver many more years of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.”

“Vhi is very proud to partner with the Women’s Mini Marathon, it’s a brilliant way for us to live our purpose of helping our customers to live longer, stronger, healthier lives, and we’re delighted to announce today that we have renewed our sponsorship for a further three years,” confirmed CEO, Brian Walsh.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Women’s Mini Marathon team to deliver more fantastic events. I want to extend our congratulations to the thousands of women that crossed the finish line today. The atmosphere and sense of camaraderie amongst participants is phenomenal.”

“Dublin city is proud to have played host to this event for the last 41 years, and I hope that it continues to play a part in our city’s life for many more,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy.

There were group warm ups and cool downs and entertainment at both the start and the finish in the glorious sunshine.

 

Sport for Business Perspective:

This event has been banging the drum for women to get involved in sport and physical activity for over four decades.

While the explosion of competing events and 5K runs has taken it down from a peak of 40,000 runners, it is still one of the biggest all women participation events in Europe and delivered a brilliant atmosphere as ever for those taking part and for those caught up in the summer atmosphere.

Great to see another extension from Vhi.