The biggest women only sporting event in the world has a new name with the news that Vhi Healthcare is to become title sponsor of the Women’s Mini Marathon for the next five years.
The event attracts 40,000 runners each June Bank Holiday Monday and has been a key driver in rising activity levels among women in sport. It has been sponsored by Flora for the past ten years.
According to the latest Irish Sports Monitor Report (ISM) 2013, running is the third most popular sporting activity in the country and has seen the strongest increase in participation (from 6.1% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2013).
That has attracted major interest from sponsors in the health sector with Vhi following the lead of their rival Glohealth who became a headline partner of Athletics Ireland and a number of its Championships and programmes earlier this year.
That deal was also for a long term, running to the end of 2017 and while no figures have been released for either partnership it is understood that both investments are into strong six figures.
“Vhi Healthcare is delighted to support the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon,” said John O’Dwyer Chief Executive, Vhi Healthcare speaking at the sponsorship announcement.
“This is truly a unique event which sees women of all ages and abilities coming together to achieve their fitness goals and raise money for their chosen charities.”
“Vhi Healthcare has a proven track record in promoting wellness and pro-active, healthy lifestyles. The health benefits, both physical and mental, associated with running are unparalleled. We are delighted therefore to have the opportunity to promote this area and hope to encourage more people to dust off their runners and take the first step towards running as a hobby.”
“We look forward to working together with the Women’s Mini Marathon team to further develop this fantastic event while also supporting women across Ireland to achieve their running goals and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle”.
“Sponsorship plays a key role in funding the Women’s Mini Marathon, Added the race Deputy CEO Kathy Endersen, “and we are thrilled to have Vhi Healthcare as our new title sponsor.
“We aim to create an event dedicated to improving and supporting the participants and we feel Vhi Healthcare are a natural fit with their shared promotion of a healthy lifestyle for women. We look forward to working closely with them over the next five years.”
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