25,000 Women Unite for Sold-Out 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon

Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick AC leads 25,000 women to win first place at the 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon with a time of 33:23

Over 25,000 women turned Dublin City purple at the sold-out Vhi Women's Mini Marathon today. The event drew women from all four corners of Ireland, for what is know as the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

As the gun went at 12.30pm, entrants left the start line at Fitzwilliam Street Uppder to run, jog and walk the 10KM route, with many doing it for charitable causes close to their hearts.

Since the inaugural event in 1983, the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has raised an estimated €250 million for charities across Ireland and is widely regarded as the most important single-day fundraising event in Ireland.  

The event was won by Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick AC in a time of 33:23. 

Second to cross the line was Meghan Ryan from Dundrum South Dublin AC with a time of 34:54, followed by Maebh Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers AC with a time of 35:02.  

Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC took home first place in the Elite Visually Impaired category with her time of 45:40.  

2024 saw the introduction of pacers at the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon. A team of expert pacers, sponsored by the event's Official Timing Partner, Citizen, helped to guide those aiming for a 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minute finish time to maintain their pace throughout the race.  

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon attracts women from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, abilities and fitness levels.  The youngest participant in this years event is just 14 years of age, while the oldest is a 93 year old, highlighting the events' broad appeal and the remarkable determination of its participants. 

Each year, approximately 20% of the particpants are first time entrants. However for a dedicated group of veterans who have competed annually, this year will commemorate their 42nd consecutive Women's Mini Marathon.  

David O'Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon expressed his congratualtions and gratitude to everyone involved. "This has been a truly magnificant day. Congratulations to all the participants of the 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon - you are the essence of this event!  A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of 900 volunteers who join us year after year and are instrumental in carrying out such a safe and well organised event." 

He went on to say " We are so grateful to the dedicated charities that support our event each year, and of course our sponsors for their invaluable involvement, in particular our title sponsor, Vhi, whose support is vital to the success of this event."  

Brian Walsh, Chief Executive, Vhi Group said:  "Vhi is very proud of our partnership with the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon which is now in its tenth year. It's a partnership that aligns so well with our purpose of helping our members to live longer, stronger, healthier lives and today's event which was sold out was a fitting way to mark a decade of collaboration. 

A huge congratulations from all at Vhi to the many thousands of women who took part today, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere on the streets of Dublin.  Whether you walked, jogged or ran, it's a superb achievement to cross the finish line of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon." 

Over the past 12 weeks, Vhi Fitness and Nutrition Brand Ambassador Nathalie Lennon, has been preparing particiants for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon.  Nathalie has led comprehensive training plans tailored for walkers, joggers and runners, equipping thousands of women with the tools and confidence to take on the 10KM challenge.

As each participant crossed the finish line at Lower Baggot Street, they were awareded with a medal to commemorate and celebrate their achievement. 

The 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon took place under perfect weather conditions, with the sun shining throughout and a light breeze, enhancing the event's festive atmosphere.  The route was lined with supporters and entertainment from our sponsors Vhi and 98FM, contributing to a sense of camaraderie and celebration.  Many participants shared inspiring stories of their journey to the event, adding a touching dimension to the day.  

A full listing of the results will be published in a special supplement in the Irish Independent on Monday, June 3. 

ENDS

 

Note to Editors:

 

Top 10 Finishers

1st	Íde Nic Dhomhnaill	West Limerick AC	33:23
2nd	Meghan Ryan	Dundrum South Dublin AC	34:54
3rd	Maebh Richardson	Kilkenny City Harriers AC	35:02
4th	Grace Richardson	Kilkenny City Harriers AC	35:25
5th	Lisa Madden	Sportsworld AC	35:28
6th	Lauren Tinkler	-	36:01
7th	Natasha Adams	Letterkenny AC	36:08
8th	Noeleen Scanlan	Letterkenny AC	36:15
9th	Ciara Wilson	-	36:40
10th	Lauren Dermody	-	36:48

About Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is now in its 42nd year. The first Women’s Mini Marathon began in Dublin in 1983 with 9,000 entrants, it has grown in popularity and the event now hosts over 25,000 women on the June bank holiday weekend. Women from across the 32 counties of Ireland, U.K. and Europe take part each year to raise vital funds for their chosen charities and causes. 

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is a world-class sporting event and is dedicated to helping women across Ireland to achieve their fitness goals. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has become an important part of Irish culture and a celebration for Irish women aged 14 and over. The event caters for women who wish to walk or jog for fun while also catering for competitive runners. It is not only women who have benefited from the event, but charities are also the big winners.  The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the single biggest charity fundraising event in Ireland. An estimated €250m has been raised for charity since its beginning in 1983. All charities benefit as it is the women themselves who decide who they will support, and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event.