The evenings are getting longer and the weather is picking up which means it’s time to dust off the runners and round up the girls.
The 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is one of the biggest dates on the summer calendar, with thousands of women from all corners of the country (and beyond) travelling every year to take part.
It’s a truly special event that brings people together to get fit for a good cause. A staggering one million women have taken part since the inaugural event in 1983, raising essential funds for hundreds of charities while making amazing memories.
Whether you run every year, or you plan on walking it for the first time, we’ve rounded up all the essential info you need to get involved in the 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.
What’s it all about?
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is an annual 10k charity road race that takes place on the June bank holiday weekend in Dublin.
It’s the largest all-women’s event of its kind in the world, with thousands of women of every age and walk of life taking part each year.
Participants can decide themselves which charity they will support, with an estimated €210m raised since 1983.
It’s so much more than just a running event – it’s a huge community gathering that sees bands, dancers, and other entertainment acts turn up to support participants alongside thousands of onlookers.
When and where does the 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon take place?
The event kicks off at 2pm on Bank Holiday Sunday, June 2 at Fitzwilliam Street Upper.
The route takes you down Leeson St, through Donnybrook and the Stillorgan Road, then Nutley Lane to finish on Baggot St.
Have a look at the course route below:
How to enter
Thinking of signing up? Entries have been open since February 28th and spaces are filling up fast with this year’s event set to be bigger than ever.
You can register here, or fill out the entry form available in The Herald every Wednesday and Saturday. Entry costs €25 per person, and Vhi customers who have paid the €25 entry fee for the event can claim a €25 reward using Snap & Send in the Vhi app.
How to train
The 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is open to all ability levels, but there are training plans available on the official website.
You simply choose your level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced and follow the day-by-day workout plans.
There are also plenty of group training forums you can get involved with as well as various parkruns in partnership with Vhi all over the country to get involved with – these are free, 5km, timed runs that are open to everyone.
You can find your nearest parkrun in partnership with Vhi here and there’s an opportunity to use your parkrun time to qualify for one of the faster running categories on the day of the event.
Lifestyle
Once you start training for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, you’ll soon see a number of benefits to your health and general lifestyle.
From feeling fitter than you ever have before to taking in some of the most scenic running routes around Ireland, undertaking training for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has so many therapeutic advantages.
It’s an experience you’ll always look back on with fond memories.
What to expect on the day
It’s the party atmosphere that really sets this event apart. It’s so much more than just a running event – it’s a ‘coming together’ of women, and whether you walk or run on the day the sense of shared achievement is a feel-good buzz that lasts well past the finish line.
All participants will receive a finisher t-shirt from Vhi and plenty of surprises on the day including the Vhi relaxarena in Merrion Square for a well-deserved chill out afterwards.
If you’re thinking of signing up for the 2019 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, be sure to keep an eye out on Lovin Dublin for more articles which will include training tips and the best routes around Ireland to set you on your way.
Sound good? The first step is to register for the event on the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon website. Once that’s done, your journey has begun!Â
