Registration has opened this morning for the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, with close to 30,000 women expected to take to the streets of Dublin on Sunday, May 31st.

Now in its 44th year, the 10km event remains the largest all-female event of its kind in the world and has become a central fixture in Ireland’s mass participation and corporate sporting calendar. The race will begin at 12:30pm, with participants walking, jogging and running through Dublin City Centre.

Strong Commercial Backing and Growing Demand

The event has sold out in record time over the past two years, underlining both the sustained demand for female-focused participation events and the commercial value attached to them.

Healthcare provider Vhi continues its long-standing title sponsorship and has launched this year’s campaign under the theme “Because You Can,” aimed at encouraging women of all abilities to take part.

Entrepreneur Aimee Connolly, broadcaster Katja Mia, health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon and content creator Clóda Scanlon return as Vhi ambassadors for 2026, supporting the promotional campaign across digital and social platforms.

Aimee Connolly said the event’s appeal lies in its inclusivity. “It’s not about pace — it’s about participation, community and proving to yourself that you can do challenging things. That’s what ‘Because You Can’ means to me,” she said.

Research Highlights Health and Wellbeing Impact

To coincide with the launch, Vhi commissioned research among 500 female runners examining the impact of running and walking on physical and mental wellbeing.

The findings reinforce the broader policy focus on women’s health and participation:

  • 74% said walking or running improves their overall physical health
  • 73% said it boosts mood
  • 53% said it helps manage stress
  • 68% cited mental health benefits as a key motivation
  • 64% said it helps manage PMS or menstrual symptoms
  • 80% of women who have given birth said running or walking supported their recovery

However, 74% reported being prevented from exercising due to menstrual symptoms, and 89% said such symptoms impact their confidence when exercising — pointing to ongoing barriers to consistent participation.

Motivation and community also featured strongly, with 77% saying signing up for a mass participation event would help them stay motivated, and 82% believing joining a community running group would help them reach their goals.

Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Affairs at Vhi, said the research underlines the broader societal role of the event. “The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is more than a race; it’s a powerful movement that brings women together in support of each other and their communities. Our latest research reinforces just how transformative movement can be — for physical health, confidence, motivation and overall mental wellbeing,” she said.

Digital Supports and Participation Pathway

From a commercial and operational perspective, this year’s event includes several new engagement initiatives.

The official website now features an AI assistant designed to guide participants through registration and FAQs. Vhi members can claim a refund on their entry fee through the Snap & Send function on the Vhi App, lowering cost barriers to entry.

Participants will also have access to structured training plans for walkers, joggers and runners, alongside nutrition plans developed by Nathalie Lennon. Certified health content will be available through Vhi Verified.

New for 2026 is the Vhi Run Series, a three-part programme featuring 3km, 5km and 8km events designed to help women progressively build distance across a 12-week campaign. Further details are expected in the coming weeks.

Economic and Cultural Impact

David O’Leary, General Manager of the Women’s Mini Marathon, said demand remains strong following consecutive sell-outs.

“After two unprecedented sell-outs, the excitement around this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is already building. We’re seeing an incredible running boom and a real cultural movement of women coming together to challenge themselves, support one another and build community,” he said.

Beyond its health benefits, the event delivers a substantial boost to Dublin’s hospitality and retail sectors, while also supporting a wide range of charities through participant fundraising.

Each participant will receive a finisher’s medal, with an official event t-shirt available as an opt-in during registration.

With capacity expected to fill quickly once again, early registration is advised.

 

 

Image Credit: Vhi and Dave Fitzgerald, Sportsfile

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