WOMEN TAKING TO THE STREETS AND MAKING AN IMPACT
Vhi extend their sponsorship with the Women’s Mini Marathon for a further 2 years
Sunday 2nd June 2019: 30,000 women took to the streets of Dublin today, to take part in the 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, which is the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.
The 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon was won by Aoibhe Richardson from Portland AC, US in a time of 00:34:35. Catherina Mullen from Metro/St. Brigid’s A.C. was second across the finish line in 00:35:01, and Breege Connolly from City of Derry A.C. Spartans secured third place in 00:35:13. Sinead Kane from Le Cheile A.C. won the Visually Impaired Category in a time of 00:44:29.
The streets were filled on the day with women who participate to fundraise for charitable causes, achieve personal goals, or gather together to enjoy a special day out with their sisters, daughters, mothers, aunts or friends. It is a truly inclusive event with women of all ages and fitness levels participating, ranging from women who have taken part every year of the event’s existence, to younger women, many of whom were participating for the first time.
This year the event’s campaign theme is #WomenWithImpact, highlighting the incredible stories of the women who participate in the event. The organisers wanted to share positive images and showcase a narrative that truly represents the strong, inspirational and ordinary women across Ireland in 2019.
Now in its 37th year, the event features runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities completing the 10k route. Since its inception the women of this event have raised over €217 million for over 700 charities.
It was also announced today that title sponsor Vhi have extended their partnership with the Women Mini Marathon for a further two years up to and including 2021. This will take Vhi’s sponsorship of the Women’s Mini Marathon to seven years. Already they have introduced the Vhi Relax Arena and the Vhi Wall of Support to the event along with introducing the Vhi Finisher T-shirt this year.
Speaking at the event John O’Dwyer, Chief Executive, Vhi Group, said: “Vhi is proud to support this terrific event and would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to make it a success. We want to extend our congratulations to the thousands of women that crossed the finish line today.
“The atmosphere and sense of camaraderie amongst the participants is incredible. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is a phenomenal event that promotes health and fitness around the country as well as raising much needed funds for hundreds of worthy causes nationwide.
“Vhi is also pleased to announce that we have extended our sponsorship of the Women Mini Marathon for a further two years. At Vhi we are committed to helping our customers live longer, stronger, healthier lives. This partnership helps us to deliver this commitment to our customers. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Women’s Mini Marathon team to deliver more fantastic events”.
Kathy Endersen, CEO, Women’s Mini Marathon, said: “I would like to congratulate the thousands of women who took part in today’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. The theme for our campaign this year is #WomenwithImpact, and every single woman who took part today truly embodies this theme, whether they were making an impact by raising funds for a cause close to their heart, or by achieving their personal fitness goals.
“This event couldn’t happen without the support of the hundreds of volunteers who so generously give their time to help on the day, as well as the many community groups and charities who continue to support our event year after year. I would also like to thank our sponsors, and in particular our title sponsors. We are delighted that Vhi have renewed their sponsorship with the event. Since they came on board five years ago, Vhi have played an invaluable role in driving the event, and we are very happy to continue working with them over the next two years.”
Preparations for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon start early in September each year, with a team dedicated to ensuring that they deliver a fun and memorable day out for all the participants. They are assisted on the day by 900 stewards from various sports clubs and scouting groups.
Participants at this year’s event were entertained before the race by Today FM’s Muireann O’Connell and Kate Brennan Harding, who had the crowds singing along with the Today FM Mini Maraoke. Fulfil ambassadors Mary Kate Slattery and Dee Fitz were also on hand before the race, energising the crowd with their warm up sessions. The Irish Society for Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) once again manned the Cool Down stage after the race, providing much-needed cool down sessions and massages.
Title sponsors Vhi provided every single participant who crossed the finish line with an exclusive VhiWMM Finisher T-shirt, along with a refreshing fruit pack. Vhi also hosted the popular Vhi Relax Arena in Merrion Square, the perfect place for participants to chill out after the race.
A full listing of the results will be published in a special supplement in The Herald on Monday, June 3rd. A special Mini Moments Souvenir Picture Issue will also be published in the Herald the following day, Tuesday June 4th.
Vhi_Press
02-Jun-2019