Issuu

RACE MAGAZINE the official

Our theme this year, “Best Time Ever” is everything that makes the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon unforgettable. The early starts and shared excitement, the chats and laughs before you’ve even crossed the start line, the anticipation.

There will be PBs and proud finishes, but what really stays with you are the moments in between - the encouragement from strangers, the running buddies who keep you going, the music, the cheers and the sense that we’re all in it together. This day is yours to enjoy and feel proud of… to make it your Best Time Ever.

To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone at the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, participants will start in four clearly marked wave colours this year:

White Elite & fast runners

Pink Runners

Blue Joggers

Orange Walkers

Be sure to check your assigned wave. The colour of your race number matches your wave colour. You can find more details on your colour wave from page 10

COLOUR WAVE know your note

You cannot move between waves!

Welcome

TO OUR NEW SPONSORS

We’re delighted to welcome a fantastic lineup of new sponsors to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon this year.

Our Official Motor Sponsor, Leapmotor, is bringing their exciting “Take The Leap” campaign to life, with one lucky participant winning the chance to drive a brand new Leapmotor car for six months. We’re also thrilled to have SPIN 1038 on board as our new Radio Sponsor, bringing their signature energy and fun from the airwaves to the streets on May 31st.

We feel incredibly lucky to have their enthusiasm and fresh ideas helping to make this year’s event even more memorable.

YOUR 2026Medal Design

This year’s medal is something special.

‘Heartbeat’, designed by Dundalk native Seán Cotter, was selected through a national competition run in partnership with the Institute of Designers in Ireland.

The numerals 2026 overlap to form a heart at the centre, capturing everything the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon stands for, with three bold lines cutting through to represent running tracks and the unstoppable momentum of tens of thousands of women moving together through Dublin. It’s bold, it’s joyful, and it’s yours when you cross the finish line on May 31st .

Whether it ends up on your wall, your mantelpiece, or around your neck for longer than you’d care to admit, it was made with this day, and every woman who shows up for it, firmly in mind.

Meet

What time should I arrive on race morning?

RUN CONCIERGE

Getting ready for event day just got a whole lot easier. Run Concierge is our new AI-powered helper, designed to answer any questions you have in the lead up to the day. Think of it as your go-to guide for all things race-related - whether you’re wondering “What time should I arrive on race morning?”, “Where is the blue wave bag drop?”, or even “Can I wear headphones?” Quick, helpful, and always available, Run Concierge is here to make your experience more informed and stress-free.

Wherever You Are, YOU’RE PART OF SOMETHING BIG!

Can I wear headphones?

Wherever you are in the world, the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon gives you the flexibility to walk, jog or run your 10K in your own time across the event weekend. Make sure to download the RTRT app, claim your profile, track your distance and see your results alongside other fellow virtual participants. You’ll receive your official event t-shirt and finisher medal in advance of the event so you can celebrate your achievement at your finish line.

watch the action LIVE

For the second year running, we will be livestreaming the event to give those at home the chance to be part of the excitement and cheer on their loved ones from afar. Encourage supporters at home to tune into our YouTube channel from 12:15pm on May 31st where our programme presenters, Lauren Tinkler and Eimear Maher, will be connecting you to the start line buzz and finish-line moments.

“WOMEN WHO MOVE”

video series

Every woman on the start line has a reason for being there. For some, this is their very first 10K, maybe a lifetime goal. For others, it’s a Gaisce challenge, a mental health lifeline, a family tradition, or simply a community they’ve found through running.

‘Women Who Move’ is a new video series from the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon that tells those stories. Six interviews and one shared start line.

Follow along on our social channels to watch the series unfold.

WEAR IT WITHpride

If you opted in to receive your technical event tee when registering we’d really love to see you wearing it on the day. There’s nothing quite like the moment when tens of thousands of participants take to the streets in purple. It’s a simple thing, but it creates such a strong feeling of togetherness. If you’ve got yours make sure to pull it on!

our incredible

Volunteer Team

Behind every great event is a great team, and for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, that means over 1,000 volunteers bringing energy and encouragement to every part of the dayfrom early-morning setup to the final finisher. Volunteers come from DSD AC, local GAA clubs and community groups, to support with everything from course marshalling to medal and water distribution, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.

Thank you to every volunteer - this event wouldn’t be the same without you.

iTab personal make it

Add a special finishing touch to your medal with an iTab, a personalised engraved plate that fits neatly to the ribbon featuring your name, finish time and a special message. It’s the perfect keepsake to remember your achievement. Add it to your registration before May 30th by clicking ‘Manage My Registration’ from the homepage.

EVERY MOMENTcapture

Our official event photographers, FinisherPix, will be out on the course and at the finish line capturing all the best moments of your day. Pre-order your photo pack for €9.99 by May 30th by adding it to your registration now and save. RRP €19.99. Don’t miss your chance to save.

Tip: make sure your race number is clearly visible at all times and don’t forget to smile for the cameras!

Lapee new location

Making its debut at last year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, Lapee, the Danish-designed female urinal, certainly turned heads, sparked plenty of laughs, and drew a few surprised gasps throughout the day. We’re delighted to welcome it back this year in a new location within the start area.

Bright pink and impossible to miss, Lapee is designed to make things quicker and easier when nature calls, cutting toilet queue times significantly so you can get back to focusing on your race.

We know you’re an adventurous bunch – give it a try!

WHERE THE BUZZ

begins

The stage at the start line will offer the perfect mix of music and motivation to kick off your day. Expect live vibes from Spin 1038 with an open broadcast and high-energy tunes, while their MCs fire up the crowd. The excitement will build with a series of dynamic warm-ups led by Intersport Elverys.

The action on the main stage kicks off at 10:30am

Pace yourself

Aiming for a PB or want to break 70 minutes?

Our wonderful Pace Team will be guiding you around the course and doing their best to keep you on track and manage your energy. They’re easy to spot – just look up and you’ll see their 3ft balloons overhead, sponsored by our Official Timing Partner, Citizen Watch Ireland.

YOUR RACE NUMBER IS YOUR TICKET. Have it ready to show stewards at the wave entrance. Your Race Number colour must match the wave entrance colour. No race number, no entry.

BAGGAGE. Only A4 size or smaller. Avoid delays - don't bring a bag if it's not necessary.

MEET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN TOWN. Don't plan to meet at the Finish Line. There is no viewing at the Finish Line. Plan to meet your family or friends in the many cafes/bars/restaurants/parks in the city centre.

Leeson Street/Pembroke Street Upper Junction

plan

To meet friends who you are running with far away from the entry points, which are very busy.

The big screens for directions and important messages.

Follow the steward’s instructions for your safety and that of others.

10:30 HRS

YOUR RACE NUMBER IS YOUR TICKET. Have it ready to show stewards at the wave entrance. Your Race Number colour must match the wave entrance colour. No race number, no entry.

BAGGAGE. Only A4 size or smaller. Avoid delays - don't bring a bag if it's not necessary.

HRS

To meet friends who you are running with far away from the entry points, which are very busy.

The big screens for directions and important messages.

Follow the steward’s instructions for your safety and that of others.

BLUE WAVE

Hume St./St. Stephens Green Junction here:

YOUR RACE NUMBER IS YOUR TICKET. Have it ready to show stewards at the wave entrance. Your Race Number colour must match the wave entrance colour. No race number, no entry.

BAGGAGE. Only A4 size or smaller. Avoid delays - don't bring a bag if it's not necessary.

Clare St/Nassau St/Lincoln Place Junction

plan

To meet friends who you are running with far away from the entry points, which are very busy.

watch

The big screens for directions and important messages.

listen

Follow the steward’s instructions for your safety and that of others.

Clare St/Nassu St/Lincoln Place Junction here:

OPENING TIME 10:30 HRS

YOUR RACE NUMBER IS YOUR TICKET. Have it ready to show stewards at the wave entrance. Your Race Number colour must match the wave entrance colour. No race number, no entry.

BAGGAGE. Only A4 size or smaller. Avoid delays - don't bring a bag if it's not necessary.

BAGGAGE

OPENING TIME 10:30 HRS

BE IN YOUR WAVE BY 12:30 HRS

Place/Warrington Place Junction

Place/ Warrington Place Junction here:

plan

The big screens for directions and important messages.

To meet friends who you are running with far away from the entry points, which are very busy. listen

Follow the steward’s instructions for your safety and that of others. watch

ambassadors

Over the last 12 weeks, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassadors Aimee Connolly (@aimeconnolly_com), Katja Mia (@katja_miaa), Clóda Scanlon (@clodascanlon) and Nathalie Lennon (@nathalielennon_) have been preparing for race day on May 31st .

2026 marks the 12th year of Vhi’s proud title sponsorship of the Women’s Mini Marathon, an event that continues to reflect our mission of helping people in Ireland live longer, stronger, and healthier lives. We’ve been working closely with this incredible team of ambassadors to help motivate and inspire all participants in the lead-up to the big day.

If you’ve been following their training journeys on social media, we hope they’ve encouraged you to lace up and get moving - whether you’re walking, jogging, or running the 10km route through Dublin City Centre.

We’re so excited to welcome you to the start line at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 31st, for the 44th Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon!

snap send &

Did you know Vhi members can claim back their entry fee for the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon?

For the ninth year running, Vhi is refunding entry fees for members taking part - part of their ongoing commitment to helping women in Ireland live longer, stronger, healthier lives.

To claim, simply use the Snap & Send feature on the Vhi app. Just snap a photo of your registration receipt and submit it through the app - it’s that simple!

simple!

Kickstart event day

Kickstart event day morning with this energising breakfast recipe from Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Nutrition Ambassador Nathalie Lennon!

INGREDIENTS METHOD

• 220ml Milk of choice

• 45ml of Espresso or Strong Black Coffee

• 1.5 Tbsp Honey/Maple Syrup (split between 2)

• 1.5 Tsp Vanilla Extract (split between 2)

• 100g Oats (split between 2)

• 4 Tsp Chia Seeds (split between 2)

YOGURT TOPPING

• 1 Tbsp of Low-Fat Cream Cheese

• 3 Tbsp 0% Greek Yogurt

• ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract

• Cocoa Powder

1. In a bowl mix together the milk, coffee, maple syrup (or honey) & vanilla extract. Divide between 2 jars or airtight containers.

2. Stir half of the oats & chia seeds into each jar ensuring they are both fully submerged within the mixture & leave to sit overnight.

3. Prepare the yogurt mixture topping by whisking the cream cheese until smooth. Then add in the yogurt & vanilla extract. Spoon this mixture on top of the yogurts either before serving or after 3 hours of chilling.

4. Dust off with cocoa powder & enjoy!

Use Vhi Verified to help you prepare for this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon!

To help you prepare for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, make sure you check the articles on Vhi Verified, to help you ahead of event day on May 31st .

Vhi Verified is a collection of expert-reviewed health and wellbeing articles created by Vhi’s clinical team, including physiotherapists, dietitians, and health coaches. Each piece offers trusted, practical advice to support informed health decisions across areas like women’s health, mental health, and running.

A key focus of Vhi Verified is running content tailored specifically for women - covering everything from postpartum return to exercise and pelvic health, to race day recovery, strength-building, and nutrition before and after training. These articles are available to all participants in the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, or those who are simply looking to build a consistent, confident running routine.

the full collection on Vhi’s blog at www1.vhi.ie/blog and be sure to also explore more expert insights and tips on Vhi’s TikTok channel - @vhi_ire.

Vhi RUN series

In the lead up to this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, hundreds of participants took part in the inaugural Vhi Run Series, a new community progressive training initiative designed to support all women of all abilities as they prepared for race day.

Hosted by Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassador and health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon, the three-part series brought participants together across Dublin and Kilkenny, creating a welcoming and supportive environment to build confidence, connection and distance.

Kicking off with a 3km run in Bushy Park, participants took their first steps in a relaxed and encouraging setting, before progressing to a 5km event at Porterstown parkrun.

The series concluded with an 8km run at Kilkenny Castle, giving Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon participants the perfect opportunity to test their progress ahead of race day. Led by Vhi ambassador for health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon, who guided participants across all three

events, the series also welcomed Katja Mia to the 3km event in Bushy Park and Aimee Connolly, Katja Mia and Clóda Scanlon, alongside Olympian David Gillick, at the 5km Porterstown parkrun event, where they helped motivate and inspire those taking part.

With a strong focus on inclusivity, the Vhi Run Series encouraged women of all abilities, whether new to running, returning after a break, or building towards their first 10km, to take part and enjoy the journey.

As participants take to the start line on May 31st, the Vhi Run Series has played an important role in helping many feel prepared, confident and ready, proving that every step along the way truly counts!

every step of the way

As thousands of women prepare to take part in the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, Vhi is proud to support every participant, whether running, walking or jogging, every step of the way.

This year’s event promises to be more vibrant than ever, with exciting features designed to energise, motivate and care for everyone involved. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by eye-catching inflatable hearts and fun photo opportunities to capture the spirit of the day.

Keep an eye out for the team of Vhi physios who will be on hand at the Vhi Physio Zone on Merrion Square East to support participants’ recovery following the race.

For anyone who achieved a personal best in this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon – make sure you ring the finisher bell which will be on Baggot Street after you cross the finish line!

And of course, the much-loved Vhi jellies are back - ready and waiting to add a sweet touch to your achievement as you cross the line.

For the second year running, participants can also enjoy a special post-race memento. Using your race data, your name will appear on Vhi’s iconic heart-shaped display, with your finishing time shown on the screen above the finish line. A personalised PNG image will then be automatically sent to you, so you can relive and share the moment long after the race is done!

Vhi Supporting Every Step of the Way at the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

coursemap

information Safety travel

A list of road closures is available on our website. Please take note as traffic restrictions will cause delays.

Check out dublinbus.ie for diversions in place.

Check out luas.ie for updates to LUAS services. Closest LUAS stop is: St. Stephen’s Green

Check out irishrail.ie for timetables and tickets. NOTE: There will be no DART service operating between Dublin Connolly and Greystones.

Check out DublinBikes.ie

There will be restricted car parking around Dublin City Centre. Bear in mind road closures will impact accessibility to the city on race day. Please check where your wave will be loading before deciding what car park to use. Accessible parking for badgeholders can be found dublincity.ie

Coach Parking drop-off location will be at Merrion Square North. Please note that Merrion Square North is a drop-off location only, and this will be strictly enforced on the day. Wilton Place will not be available for coach parking. Parking will be available at NTA Coach Park on the day.

information

To help ensure that all participants have a safe and enjoyable day at the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, please familiarise yourself with and follow our guidelines:

• All bags being carried on the course must be no larger than A4 size and may be subject to search. No large bags, backpacks or suitcases will be allowed at the event.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and your nearest exit routes.

• We ask you to take care and listen out for important safety announcements during the race.

• Always make sure that the laces on your shoes are tied properly so you do not trip and fall.

• Take note of the terrain you are standing on in case it is wet, slippery, or hazardous in any way.

• Do not climb on any temporary surfaces or barriers etc.

• Participants are not permitted to bring banners, flags or any other similar items to the event. Any signs brought onto the course will be confiscated for the duration of the race.

• Sweatshirts, t-shirts, space blankets and refuse sacks are often discarded before the race and during the race and can

create a tripping hazard. If you are discarding items of clothing or such like, please ensure they will not cause a problem for other participants.

• No buggies, pushchairs, prams, scooters, motorised vehicles, motorised devices, baby slings, baby carriers or dogs/pets of any kind are permitted on the physical course for health and safety reasons.

• Please ensure you drink plenty of water before and during the event to stay hydrated (see Course Route map for water station locations).

• Please make sure you are adequately equipped for the weather and have enough water and sunscreen.

• By the direction of An Garda Síochána, the use of bicycles, other than official bicycles, on the course during the event is strictly forbidden.

• There are Order of Malta First Aid stations located along the route – see the Course Route map for details.

EVE R Y STEP OF T HE W A Y

Marathon and wishing ever y par ticipant the ver y best of luck from all of us at Topﬂight.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland are delighted to announce details of the 2026 One in 1,000 Campaign for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon which takes place on Sunday 31st May.

To register go to cfireland.ie/onein1000 and fill out the sign up form. Once you’ve clicked ‘Submit’, your digital fundraising page on iDonate.ie will be automatically set up for you – don’t forget to share it on your social channels and with your friends and family!

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon caters to all levels of fitness, so whether you're a carefree walker or a determined runner we would love to have you join the One in 1,000 Cystic Fibrosis Ireland Team for 2026!

My reason for taking part is that my dad was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025 while I was away on my study abroad. Being away at the time was incredibly tough, but when I came home, I knew I wanted to do something to help. I started running to clear my head, and that's when my dad came across the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 10k and asked me to run it for him, raising money for cancer research and supporting others going through similar experiences. From that moment on, I never looked back.

Citizen is delighted to once again be the Official Timing Sponsor of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.

Our brand philosophy is Better Starts Now, meaning that no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better and now is the time to start doing it. What better way to celebrate this message than the largest all-women’s event of its kind in the world?

We are currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive, our brand’s proprietary technology that converts any light to power a watch, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. Each of the 10 fastest finishers on race day will win a specially engraved Eco-Drive watch (pictured right) to celebrate their fantastic achievement.

On race day, make sure to keep an eye out for the Citizen Pacers Team. You will be able to identify these pacers by the Citizen logo on their t-shirts and the large balloons they will be wearing noting race times. We will have pacers running at times of 45-minutes, 50-minutes, 55-minutes, 60-minutes, 65-minutes, 70-minutes, 90-minutes and 120-minutes.

In the lead up to Sunday, 31st of May, we will be giving people the chance to win a sporty ladies watch worth €380. Make sure to follow Citizen Watch Ireland on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with us, and keep your eyes peeled for our competition coming soon!

We can’t wait to be a part of this amazing day once again and we look forward to seeing everybody there… best of luck!

Watches Pictured: EO2027-50X (Left) & EO2027-50Z (Right) RRP €380

@citizenwatch.ie

Fio Dress Classic

EG7122-04A, EG7081-51L, EG7128-59E

RRP €285

“Take The Leap Champion”

Leapmotor Ireland’s “TakeTheLeapChampion” initiative shines a light on the powerful ‘what drives me’ stories behind this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. It honours the courage, resilience and deeply personal journeys of women taking on the 10km, highlighting one special nominee each month from March to May.

On May 31st, one remarkable story will be named the overall “Take The Leap Champion” and receive the use of a brand‑new Leapmotor vehicle for six months – a heartfelt way for Leapmotor to say thank you for inspiring us, and to celebrate the emotions, milestones and motivations that make this event so special.

Hey there!

We’re Leapmotor, Ireland’s newest car brand and proud Official Motor Sponsor of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for the very first time in 2026.

We’re so excited to be providing a fleet of brand‑new Leapmotor EVs for this year’s event, including the official Lead Car!

Keep your eyes peeled on race day for a gorgeous purple Leapmotor B10 out in front, guiding this year’s amazing participants around the route and helping them Take The Leap every step of the way.

Meet our March Champion, Jade Brady

Jade is running this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in memor y of her nanny, Eadaoin, whose strength and determination shone through life-changing challenges after a stroke.

Jade is proudly carr ying that spirit for ward, and we’re honoured to support her ever y step of the way.

Meet our April Champion, Liz Collins

Liz is running her 21st Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon this May in honour of her daughter Claudia, who lives with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, or EB.

Inspired by Claudia’s incredible strength amid daily pain and challenges, Liz has run the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon nearly ever y year for two decades, raising vital funds for Debra Ireland and turning personal loss (like her own breast cancer battle) into unstoppable drive. We’re honoured to champion her ever y step of the way.

everyone taking part in the VHI WOMEN’s Mini Marathon!

It’s that time of the year again where women from all over the county grab their runners, water bottles and sunscreen and join thousands in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 12:30 PM. Since 1983 numbers have grown and for many it has become a tradition for them and the girls to

Letting nothing hold her back

Faye Butler, 26, has suffered from endometriosis long before she was ever diagnosed with the painful health condition.

As she prepares to undergo her ninth surgery, she has signed up for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for the first time, raising money on behalf of Endo Ireland.

All of this naturally takes a toll on Faye’s mental health, and she’s found running, which she’s taken up as a hobby since the end of 2025, to be an outlet for her to take a breather.

‘Just getting out there when I can and when I feel well enough to do it, it really does help. Right now, it’s acting as a motivator for me to keep going with what I’m doing in terms of raising funds for Endo Ireland, which does amazing advocacy work, and for sufferers and families that have to witness them going through it.’

For other women suffering

Leah O’Halleron, 25, is taking part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for the first time, ‘not only for myself, but for every woman in Ireland that has gone through postnatal depression’.

The Kildare woman was already a mum to a one-year-old son when she went through postnatal depression after giving birth to her second child, a son, in May 2024.

Big into her fitness, she has ‘always wanted to get into running’, and what better to prepare for than the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon?

Leah is taking part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon by herself and is fundraising for Postnatal Depression Ireland.

complete the 10k race. While the day is full of smiles, sweat and laughter it also is chance to remind ourselves of the people that this event is for and the money that is being raised. EVOKE spoke to several people who are taking part and hoping to bring a little light to the life of others.

For her baby boy I can run again, which is a miracle

Ann Rooney, 55, is a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon veteran, having taken part in the annual event for over a decade for a very important cause.

For the last 10 to 12 years, the Wexford woman has been doing it in aid of SOFT Ireland, in memory of her baby boy, Christopher, who sadly passed away at just five days old in 2012 after being diagnosed with Patau Syndrome (T13).

In 2023, Ann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but that certainly didn’t slow her down! ‘I had treatment in the Beacon on the Friday and did the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon on the Sunday.

Ann told us: ‘On the trip to Dublin, we just make a good day out of it. It’s just a way of remembering Christopher and celebrating his short life.

Last year Sinead Sheppard lost movement in one of her legs during labour, after her first epidural went wrong. As an extremely active person and a new mum, the injury turned her life upside down.

‘There was a time when I couldn’t carry my baby,’ Sinead told EVOKE, as she reflected on how far she has come. ‘It was a massive shock for me.

Sinead was then told that it was a waiting game to see whether her leg would heal. The doctors just said you just have to wait and see if the numbness will disappear and the leg will return to normal function.’

My leg isn’t fully healed. When I go for a run now, it can be numb. Then after my run, it’s just a different pain in my leg, but it’s a lot better than what it was. I can run again, which is a miracle. I want to be able to run a full marathon, maybe in a year’s time.’

6 Sports and Fitness Centres

28 Locations across the city All-Weather and Grass Pitches 228 Swimming Pools

Find out what’s happening near you

DublinCitySportandWellbeingPartnership

dublincitysportandwellbeing

Across the city, Dublin City Council provides a wide range of programmes and sports & fitness facilities that help people and communities stay active and connected. Our programmes and facilities are accessible to all ages and abilities.