Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 2023 Official Race Magazine

All

Table of contents

2023 Medal

New! iTAB Medal Insert

Dublin Womens 10k Championships Return

#ForMeForYou

New Start Time!

Topflight Competition

Vhi WMM ambassadors

Snap and Send

Dearbhla Toal’s exercise routines

Protein Oat Pancakes

Celebrate your achievement with Vhi

The Journey to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon with DCCSW

Newbridge Silverware Competition

Make it your run with Intersport Elverys

98FM: Official Radio Partner of the VHIWMM

Course map

Entrances / Colour waves

Race day info

Race number / Timing tags

Baggage

Water stations

Environment

Safety information

Travel information 2023

Top Tips from the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

Meet some amazing women with the Irish Independent

Meet some of the Charities benefitting from VhiWMM with GivenGain

AsIAm Charity

The Irish Cancer Society

Alzheimer Society Ireland

Daisyhouse Housing Association

Our Medal

Here’s a sneak peek of our stunning 2023 Finishers Medal. Everyone who crosses the finish line on Sunday 4th June will receive one of these beauties to commemorate your achievement.

Don’t forget to share your achievement on your socials, and make sure to use our event hashtags

iTAB Medal Insert

Everyone taking part in this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon will receive our 2023 finishers medal after the finish line. Why not celebrate your achievement and personalise your medal with your name and finishing time by purchasing our new iTAB medal insert.

Rather than having to queue on the day, your personalised iTAB medal insert will be posted out to you directly after the event. You can either attach your iTAB medal insert to a ribbon hanger which will be provided, or you can attach it to the back of your medal. It’s whatever you like!

You can either pre-pay for your iTAB when you’re signing up for the event, or through ‘Manage My Booking’ on our website, at a cost of €8.00, or you can purchase it separately after the event at a cost of €10.00.

you did it!

Dublin Womens 10k Championships Return

We’re delighted to confirm that the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon will be hosting the Dublin Womens 10k Championships for the second time this year. Participants who are registered with Dublin Athletics Clubs can enter to compete in this event, once they provide their club name and a valid AAI registration number when signing up.

Check out our website here for all the details.

Good luck!

#ForMeForYou

The theme of the 2023 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is For Me For You, celebrating all the different reasons we all take part in this special event. Whether you’re taking part For Fun, For Fitness, For Charity, For That Finish Line Feeling or For The Laughs, we’re here For Me, For You, For Every Woman.

Share what you’re doing the event for this year with us on your socials and spread the love

#ForMeForYou

New Start Time!

This year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is starting at the earlier time of 12.30pm.

This is going to affect the time you’ll need to be in your starting area, so make sure you check the time printed on your race number. We’ll be updating our website and including information in our email newsletters with details of the new wave timings in advance of Sunday 4th June, so watch out for updates!

It could be you!

Good news. Everyone who signs up for this year’s event is automatically entered into a draw to win a fantastic prize of a September getaway to Tuscany, thanks to our friends at Topflight, Ireland’s Italian Specialist. The lucky winner will be announced on our socials in early June. It could be you!

Check out our website here for more details.

Over the last 12 weeks, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassadors Aimee Connolly (@aimeconnolly_com), Dearbhla Toal (@belle_azzure), Lorraine Fanneran (@healthyfitbella_), Nikki Bradley (@nikki_bradley_speaks) and Emer Kelly (@emerrkelly) have been preparing for race day.

This is Vhi’s 9th year of sponsoring this fantastic event and as part of this year’s campaign, Vhi has conducted research which examines Irish women’s attitude towards walking and running.

Results have found that 77% of women believe that signing up to a mass participation event, like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon with friends or family would help them to achieve their walking or running goal.

Vhi are strong supporters of helping Irish women to live longer, stronger, healthier lives and understand how difficult it can be to fit training into a hectic and busy lifestyle, with 50% of women simply walking or running whenever they can find time in their day rather than having a set time they stick to.

With this in mind, Vhi have worked with these inspiring women, who have been documenting their journey to Race Day across their social media platforms, to help motivate participants.

We hope they have helped you on your journey along the way and we are looking forward to seeing you all on the start line at 12.30pm on the 4th of June for this years Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon!

Vhi WMM

ambassadors

Snap and Send

Did you know Vhi customers can claim back their entry fee for the 2023 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon through the Vhi app?

Vhi are strong supporters of helping Irish women to live longer, stronger, healthier lives, so for the sixth year running they are refunding Vhi Healthcare members who register for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.

To claim back your entry fee, simply use the Snap & Send claiming feature on the Vhi app to collect up to €30. Just snap a photo of your registration receipt and send it in via the Vhi app – it’s that simple!

Registration for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is open now at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie so register today and get snapping!

collect up to

€30

Just snap a photo of your registration receipt and send it in via the Vhi app simply use the Snap & Send claiming feature

Dearbhla Toal’s exercise routines will have you good to go on Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Race Day!

Many of you have been following Vhi Fitness Ambassador Dearbhla Toal’s (@belle_azzure) 12-week walking, jogging and running plans to get ready for road on June 4th. These easy-to-follow plans have been complemented by exercise videos provided by Dearbhla and are designed to be easily incorporated into your weekly routine.

On the morning of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, be sure to check out Dearbhla’s warm-up routine on the @VhiWMM Instagram page, to make sure you’re feeling your best and ready to get going at the start line!

Protein Oat Pancakes

Kick-start race day morning with this delicious breakfast recipe from Lorraine Fanneran

ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup porridge oats

• ¼ cup protein powder

• 1 banana (medium)

• ½ cup milk (dairy/plant based)

• 1 tsp baking powder

to serve

• Berry Compote (¼ cup raspberries, ¼ cup blueberries)

• 1 tbsp yogurt

method

1. Blend porridge ingredients in a blender.

2. In a small pot, add berries and a splash of boiling water and simmer for 3-4 mins until softened. Remove and set aside.

3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan and pour 3 ladle spoons of pancake mixture, leaving space between each pancake to expand.

4. Cook on both sides until golden.

5. Serve stacked with yogurt and berry compote.

Vhi will be supporting you every step of the way during the

2023 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

Vhi are proud to sponsor the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon and will be encouraging participants along every step of the way on the 4th of June.

Vhi are strong supporters of helping Irish women to live longer, stronger, healthier lives and are looking forward to celebrating the achievement of crossing the finish line alongside thousands of other women!

Completing 10km is a huge achievement for anyone, and a helping hand or friendly cheer is a welcome boost no matter what your level. Be sure to keep a look out for the photo/selfie moments along the way to the start line, motivational messages from Vhi along the route, designed to keep encouraging all the amazing Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon participants along the way!

There will be plenty of other surprise and delight moments on the day such as live music and entertainment, a cheer squad and healthy snacks.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

The Journey

to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Programme

Dublin City Council Sport & Wellbeing Partnership are delighted to have 250 participants taking part in this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon and would like to give a huge congratulations to all participants taking part.

The Journey to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Programme returned for its 2nd year, after we had such success last year. We are happy to continue our exciting partnership with Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for another year and hopefully into the future.

Over the past 12 Weeks our Sports officers have been working with women of all ages and backgrounds all across Dublin City to participate in a 12 week guided activity plan that has aimed to increase fitness, develop confidence and prepare them for the big race today.

I would just like to wish all our participants from our 12 week programme the very best of luck today , all the hard work and effort put in over the last weeks will make today so worthwhile, all that is left to do is toe the line and enjoy every minute.

Aideen O’Connor DCSWP General Manager

For More Information about us, or to see how you can get involved in our programmes please visit our vebsite dcswphub.ie

We’ve partnered with the iconic Newbridge Silverware to offer one of our lucky supporters the chance to win an e-gift voucher to spend online at www.newbridgesilverware.com

To be in with a change of winning this amazing prize, all you need to do is answer the following question:

Newbridge Silverware was established in what year?

Send

Course map

Entrances Colour waves

Please note the entrance road for your waves .

Should you arrive at the incorrect entrance please follow signage directions to your correct route. There will also be QR codes at each entrance, you can scan these with your Mobile device, this will bring up a route map to the correct entrance road of your wave , based on your wave colour.

WHITE and PINK waves will enter through the junction of Pembroke Street Upper/Leeson Street Lower. Baggage drop will be after this entrance point on Fitzwilliam Square. Please make sure you are in your zone before 11.30am.

BLUE will enter through the junction of Hume Street/Stephen Green. Baggage drop will be after this entrance point on Baggot Street. Please make sure you are in your zone before 11.30am.

GREEN will enter through the junction of Hume Street/Stephen Green. Baggage drop will be after this entrance point on Baggot Street. Please make sure you are in your zone before 11.30am.

YELLOW will enter through the junction of Merrion Square West/ Merrion Street Lower. Baggage drop will be after this entrance point on Merrion Square West. Please make sure you are in your zone before 12.00pm.

Race day info

Race number / Timing tags

All entrants will have a timing tag embedded in their race number. Numbers should NOT be covered with clothing, belts, rain jackets etc. Bring some safety pins with you to attach your number to the FRONT of your t-shirt. Enter your CONTACT DETAILS and MEDICAL INFORMATION on the reverse of your race number.

Baggage

Belongings can be left at our bag drop locations before the race commences. There are three Bag Drop locations this year: These will open at 10.30am. Please bring your own clear reusable bag for your belongings. These are left entirely at owner’s risk.

Water stations

START/FINISH: Water will be available at the Start and Finish areas. You can bring a bottle of water with you if you feel you may require more water. If you are discarding your bottle, please use one of the bins provided.

Water stations on the course are:

AFTER 3km: On the Stillorgan Road, near the Teresian School.

At 6km: On the Stillorgan Road, near Belfield Bridge.

At 8km: Outside AIB Plaza in Ballsbridge.

Environment

Please dispose of your cups and bottles in the bins provided. We’re delighted to confirm that this year all cups provided in the start and finish areas are compostable, and all cups on the course are fully recyclable.

Safety 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:

• 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.

• Participants are not permitted to bring banners, flags or any other similar items to the race. 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.

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

• 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 race to stay hydrated (see course 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 Siochana, 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.

Traffic information 2023

Getting to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

We strongly recommend that participants use public transport. You can find a list of the road closures here Please check your route access point which is specific to each wave before planning your journey.

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 badge holders can be found here

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

What’s a Chartered Physiotherapist?

from

Top tips

The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is proud to support the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. Join us after the race for a cool-down event led by our Marathon Ambassador Sinéad Geraghty and our team of physiotherapists.

The event is a great opportunity for us to come together and support each other and good causes whilst working on our health and wellbeing. However, it is important to remember that running can put stress on the body and can increase the risk of injury, so it’s important to build up slowly and consult a Chartered Physiotherapist if you need advice on form, training, injury prevention or treatment.

On the day

Footwear

It’s really important to look after your feet with runners that have good support. Race day is not the day to break-in your new runners!

Bras

A properly fitted sports bra is essential to provide support for the breasts and reduce discomfort or pain, especially if you have a larger chest. Check out our leaflet: NAVIGATING THE SPORTSBRA MINEFIELD by Suzanne Carney. For more on this read here

A Chartered Physiotherapist is a university graduate with hospital-based training who has undergone a medical-based degree. They are competent in detecting serious illness in the early stages and identifying when further investigations are necessary.

When you choose a physiotherapist who is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they have been trained to the highest academic and professional standards. The ISCP is Ireland’s only professional body within its field and the only association in Ireland recognized by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy.

See iscp.ie or askthephysio.ie for more.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort after race day and are concerned consult with a Chartered Physiotherapist. They can assess any injuries or imbalances in your body and provide advice on proper technique and injury treatment and prevention.

Pelvic Floor: Leakage is a common issue for women but your Chartered Physiotherapist can provide guidance on exercises that you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor. Need to find an ISCP physio? Check out askthephysio.ie

See you at the cool-down, enjoy the day!

Liadán Hynes meets some of the amazing women taking part in this year’s event

Louise Kearney is a lifelong runner and found solace in the sport through grief, loss and now, perimenopause. She shares why she is looking forward to this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.

Louise Kearney turns 53 the day after this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. It is the first time she will run the event in years — she first ran the Mini Marathon in the mid-nineties — having at one time taken part annually. Her running career began in school, when she was a cross country runner.

“Running is my thing” Louise, who works in aviation as a cabin manager, but is also a life coach, with her own wellness business, says. “I did cross country in school. What I loved about it was challenging myself, and also it was my time to be in my own head I suppose. I was always setting myself goals, always trying to prove something. Of the appeal of running as an adult, she says; “It gave me the capacity to be outdoors.

Aviation is busy, indoors. It’s also a lifestyle where you need to be fit and healthy.” In the early noughties, Louise joined Sportsworld Running Club. They’re incredible, what an amazing community. They encourage but don’t judge if you can’t make it. They tap into your ability, your potential. They understand that I’m busy with a family, and if I can’t make it, I am still always welcome.” Joining the club encouraged Louise to push herself.

Spiral of grief

“I could hear the other members setting their own targets and the marathon was on the way and I thought, ‘my god, no better way’. She decided to run the New York marathon,

and to take her parents, who had not travelled much, with her for the experience. But tragically, that same year, 2003, her father died of a heart attack. “I didn’t run that year. That sent me into a spiral of grief.”

There followed a difficult few years, with Louise experiencing two miscarriages in the year after her father’s death. “The thing that would have got me out of that was the running. Running is so powerful to put you back into that space, of visualising how you’d like to see your life play out, per se.”

As a distance runner who now has over 25 marathons under her belt, Louise has used the shorter 10k distance to help her increase her speed.

“I’m always trying to push it with times, to up it. Because I was a distance runner, speed was a big thing for me. So with the mini marathon, it was my goal to complete, and be continuous with speed. I went from participating to competing.” “You really can express your potential on that day,” she adds. “You’re like, ‘ok, wow, I can do this. Something I could never have done’, because I’ve always been a distance runner.”

Camaraderie

She also loves the camaraderie of the day. “It doesn’t really matter what pace you’re going at, it’s to get out there as a woman and give yourself the time. The amount of time you give to so many people, and how many women give that little bit of time to themselves?” says Louise, who is a mother of three, 17-year-old twin boys, and a 14-yearold daughter. In more recent years, Louise has struggled with her running. “Especially of late, with perimenopause and hormone

changes, my body shape has changed; I talked myself out of running for some time.” She puts it down to perimenopause. “I didn’t respect my energies. I just kept pushing when really I should have sat. When I did sit and accept I should be celebrate my body changing, rather than becoming a victim of it, there was a change for me.

”Now, she tries not to judge the distance she runs, but rather focus on just getting out, and respecting what her energy levels might be on any given day. “I have accepted that I’m not 30 anymore. I’m not to feel guilty if I’m not at the side-line (of kids sport) because I need to run. I found myself thinking I’ll never get these years back with the children, so I was very consumed with the children.”

This year, she is back doing the Mini Marathon for the first time in several years, and her goal is to run the whole thing, rather than a “hybrid” approach of running and walking.

Changing the story she was telling herself has been the most impactful alteration to her approach. “I’ve booked for the marathon this year. I’m going to start with the mini marathon. And that’s the goal that I want to achieve; run the Mini Marathon without stopping.

Four years ago, I couldn’t walk down the road. Now here I am — running’

As we countdown the weeks to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon on June 4, participants like Sorcha Ní Riain reveal their inspirational stories and preparations for the 2023 race, with Liadán Hynes.

Every time I set out, I kind of run for my 20-year-old self,” Sorcha smiles. “It’s always such a motivation to think four years ago, I couldn’t even walk down the road. Here I am, I’m outside, I’m in the fresh air. Doing my best.” Four years ago, Sorcha, originally

from Tipperary and now living in Dublin, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her treatment, chemotherapy, left her feeling dramatically weakened.

Training

“I started running to improve my fitness again. I was sick a few years ago and it really took a toll on my body. My heart, my lungs; they weren’t working how they used to. I was tired all the time, couldn’t walk even to the end of the street. I wanted to sleep all the time. I just didn’t really feel like myself anymore. I needed to get back into normal fitness, not even, like, elite fitness,” she laughs. Her boyfriend was training for a marathon, and in September 2022, asked Sorcha if she would like to run the Berlin half marathon with him, which took place on April 2. “That gave me about six months to train. I had never run a kilometre,” she laughs. But she felt confident. “I felt like I could do it. I feel like I have that mentality — a can-do attitude.”

This was four years on from when Sorcha began her treatment, in November 2018. And while her fitness levels had returned somewhat, she could not run any distance. Gradually though, she began to build up her running time.

Encouraging

As the evenings became shorter, Sorcha decided to join a running club. “I didn’t feel safe running after work, so I joined a running club DSD AC (Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club). I wanted to be able to run in the evenings with people around me, feel safe, feel motivated, and feel this sense of community as well.” For a lot of people, the thought of joining a running club, especially at the start of a fitness journey, might be intimidating. “Absolutely, I was petrified to start,” Sorcha smiles. “I wasn’t even fit

With perimenopause and hormone changes, my body shape has changed; I talked myself out of running for some time

enough to join, I’d say, but I went anyway.” The group were extremely encouraging, prioritising enjoyment rather than ability. Her first run was the club’s long Sunday run.

“I completely struggled. I had to drop out about halfway through. But I was chatting to everybody, everyone was so lovely, I thought, ‘I really want to come back next week’.” She has been attending ever since, taking part in three runs a week. Everyone has their own goals, Sorcha explains. “In the beginning, I was definitely comparing myself to other people.

I’m the resident slow coach,” she laughs. “And I don’t care. I’ll be at the back of the group. I’m slow but I’m doing my best, and that’s good enough for anyone.”

Sorcha began setting herself targets early this year, first running a half marathon (privately, and with several coffee breaks, she smiles) with her boyfriend across Dublin, then a 10-mile run in Kinsale, where, to her surprise and delight, she realised she had made great advances in her speed. “It gave me a boost to keep going. That was another push to keep going for Berlin.” On April 5, she “flew” through the course in the half marathon. “I couldn’t have been happier when I crossed the line.”

Treatment

In the aftermath of her cancer treatment, Sorcha experienced significant anxiety. “Things happen so quickly when you’re diagnosed, and it’s such a rush to start treatment. You don’t have time to process anything. It was like a whole load of stress and anxiety came upon me. I felt

overwhelmed, I started to suffer with anxiety attacks.” Running has been very helpful in managing this kind of thing. “It is a really great way to build your confidence, and also deal with any challenges that you’re facing at the time.” It is time alone with your thoughts that otherwise is rare, she points out. “Time to think. Especially when you feel under pressure, or your legs hurt, or you’re out of breath.

You’re kind of vulnerable in that moment, and that also leads to you dealing with some issues that you might have in your head. You have time to work through things. “Every day that I show up, I’m challenging myself, that’s really what’s most important. Even if you have a bad run, just the fact that you’ve shown up and you’re outside, and you’re trying to be a better person and improve yourself, that’s why I do it.”

Sharon Felton isn’t exactly sure how many times she has run the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon it’s been so often, but she thinks it is probably around fifteen. Nearly 44 and living in Greystones, the first time she took part was when her mum had breast cancer, and Sharon raised funds for the hospital where her mother received treatment. Another year, she took part in aid of Blackrock Hospice, where her father received care before he died.

“Both my parents have passed away,” she says now. “I pick different charities each year. On the day, even though it’s very emotional, but there’s a great sense of achievement.” You are raising money for the charity of your choice, but you are also doing it in memory of a loved one, Sharon points

out. “You’re doing something that you’re proud of, and also that you hope the person that you’re doing it for would be proud of. Going over that finish line, there’s a feeling of, ‘oh my god, I’ve just done this’.”

Rewarding

Even though there can be sadness on the day, it is a hugely happy occasion, Sharon continues. “I probably have cried on every occasion. It’s really rewarding. When you get over that finish line, you’re already thinking about the next one. ‘I can’t wait, what charity am I going to do it for next year?’ I love getting to the end but at the same time you don’t want it to end, because it’s such a good day. I describe it as one of the best events I could do in the year.”

Sharon, who has two children, a nine-yearold daughter and 12-year-old son, doesn’t drive and averages around 20,000 steps a day. She walks, and possibly jogs, the Mini Marathon. “Even if it’s just walking around the green, I think it’s so good for your mental health,” she says of walking. “It has helped me along the way because of the grief. I love going out with a group, but I also love going out on my own, so you can gather your own thoughts.”

Sharon’s father died almost ten years ago, when her own daughter was only two weeks old. Her mum passed away four years later. “Walking has got me through a lot,” she says now. “It has saved me. If I want to walk, and I put on a song, and I cry, it’s OK. That’s fine.”

Walking has got me through a lot – it has saved me.

It’s always such a motivation to think four years ago, I couldn’t even walk down the road. Here I am, I’m outside, I’m in the fresh air. Doing my best.

We’re proud to partner with GivenGain, the world’s leading not-for-profit fundraising platform. Meet some of the charities benefitting from this year’s VhiWMM.

AsIAm Charity

Over the past 9 years AsIAm have been working towards a vision of an Ireland where every Autistic person is accepted “As They Are” – equal, valued and respected. Their purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for Autistic people that is accessible, accepting and affirming. They work to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and to build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.

Raising approximately €2,000,000 per year just to maintain their current activity, this is your chance to make a difference and support AsIAm by taking on the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.

So far, this year they have a team of 11 fundraisers taking on the race to raise vital funds for their work. The team has already raised over €2,600. Could you be AsIAm’s next Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon fundraising hero?

Join their team and start your fundraising journey today.

Speaking today, Dick White, AsIAm, Fundraising Manager stated

Every year thousands of people participate in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. It is a wonderful way to reach a goal, and to give back to the community. Our work across Ireland makes a real difference to family and individual peoples lives. With your support this June we can do so much more. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

The Irish Cancer Society

The Irish Cancer Society is a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers. Together we are working to save lives and improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Our vision is of a future where nobody dies from cancer, and everyone affected by the disease will have access to world-class treatment and support.

The Irish Cancer Society ensures cancer patients and their families have access to free support, advice and information. Some of these free supports and services include:

• VOLUNTEER DRIVER SERVICE offering safe and reliable transport to and from hospital for those attending chemotherapy appointments

• FREEPHONE CANCER SUPPORT LINE operated by trained cancer nurses offering advice, support and information to cancer patients and their families

• NIGHT NURSING SERVICE providing free end of life care to cancer patients, allowing them to spend their final days at home with their loved ones.

As the largest independent funder of cancer research in Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society has invested over €30 million in funding to cancer research in the last decade alone.

Rosemary Simmons, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society said:

With only 3% of our funding coming from the Government, we rely on the goodwill and generosity of the Irish public through fundraising events like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon to ensure that our vital services can be delivered.

By taking part you are supporting the 44,000 people that will receive a cancer diagnosis in Ireland this year. Thanks to you, cancer patients and their families have access to free transport, free counseling, financial support and much more. Your generous support means that nobody in Ireland will face cancer alone.

In 2022 over 600 women proudly wore the yellow of the Irish Cancer Society during the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon raising over €100,000 to support cancer patients and their families across Ireland.

Your support this Mini Marathon can help make a difference in the lives of those experiencing cancer and their loved ones.

Join Team Irish Cancer Society today, get your t-shirt, fundraising support and access to the exclusive Team Irish Cancer Society pre and post-race gathering event where you can meet the hundreds of other women making a real difference and reflect on the impact your support will have!

Alzheimer Society Ireland

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. Working across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports, their vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported.

They provide a number of services including their national helpline, dementia advisers, home and day care services, family carer training and support groups with many other services offered throughout the country. A fantastic charity that has supported thousands of families over the last 40 years.

Daisyhouse Housing Association

Daisyhouse Housing Association is a registered charity and Approved Housing Body supporting women out of homelessness. They do this through the provision of Supported Temporary Accommodation combined with uniquely tailored individual Personal Support Programmes to women who are homeless. Providing this service for 18 month periods so they can break the cycle of homelessness and be empowered to move forward to independent, safe, sustainable living. In addition to this, Daisyhouse Housing Association also provides a fully comprehensive resettlement programme.

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the largest women’s event of its kind in the world. It’s always a fantastic event with so many people taking part representing The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and fundraising on our behalf. We hope this year will be no different. Join #TeamASI for June 4th. Fill in your details on the form on the webpage through the link below so we can support you with your fundraising. Contact Jarlath on jarlath.coyle@alzheimer.ie if you have any questions.

We will have a base in Dublin City Centre on the day of the mini marathon. We’d love to meet you all there. You can leave your belongings while you go to run or walk the mini marathon and join us for some well-earned refreshments afterwards. Register with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland here

This year, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland has over 100 fundraisers running the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon to raise funds and awareness for the work they do. Could you raise funds to help people and their families living with dementia?

Visit our page and start making a difference today!

Women become homeless for different reasons – domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual violence, addiction, ill health, relationship breakdown, loss of income and others. Most of the women who are referred to Daisyhouse Housing Association have faced a combination of these complex challenges. When this happens, they need support, time and a safe space where they can start to rebuild from the trauma of their past experiences, feel safe and secure and, in time, move forward in their lives. Daisyhouse provides this support, time and safe space.

The funds raised will go directly to helping clients to access supports such training and educational programmes which they once only dreamed about being able to partake in, along with specialised counselling sessions to help them to deal with past traumas.

It will also be used to support mothers to become reunified with their children who aren’t currently in their care.

This year, the team at Daisyhouse Housing Association, including the CEO Ena Norris, will be lacing up their running shoes to take on the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon to raise vital funds for their charity. Could you help support this incredible cause and join the team to raise money to support women out of homelessness?

Jarlath from the fundraising team at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said:

Ena Norris, CEO of Daisyhouse Housing Association said: