Donegal athletes Nakita Burke and Theresa Doherty were in outstanding form at today’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin.
Over 20,000 women took to the streets of Dublin for the event.
This was the 41st year of the event, which since its inception has raised over €226 million for charities in Ireland.
Nakita, from Letterkenny AC, was first home in a time of 34:27 while Theresa, running for Finn Valley AC, crossed the line in a time of 34.58.
Title sponsors Vhi also announced that they have extended their title sponsorship of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for a further three years.
The extension marks the continuation of a successful partnership that began in 2014 and has seen hundreds of thousands of women participate in the event, raising millions for charities nationwide and supporting women in their pursuit of health and fitness goals in the process.
Women from all over Ireland took part in the 2023 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, with many taking part to support and fundraise for charitable causes. This annual celebration of women is a truly inclusive event, embracing women of all ages and fitness levels. This year’s event included women aged from 14 to 93!
David O’Leary, General Manager of the Women’s Mini Marathon said “Congratulations to the many thousands of women who took to the streets of Dublin today. There’s no other event like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon; the sense of celebration and camaraderie, the emotion, the laughter and the fun atmosphere all make the day so special. We’re proud to be able to produce an event which means so much to all women.
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who each year give so generously of their time to help make this event happen, as well as the community groups and charities who continue to support the event year after year. And of course, I’d like to thank the women of Ireland for coming out in their thousands! I would particularly like to mention our wonderful sponsors, and in particular our title sponsors Vhi. We’re delighted to be able to announce the extension of our partnership for the next three years and look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver many more years of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon”.
Brian Walsh, Chief Executive, Vhi Group said “Vhi is very proud to partner with the Women’s Mini Marathon, it’s a brilliant way for us to live our purpose of helping our customers to live longer, stronger, healthier lives, and we’re delighted to announce today that we have renewed our sponsorship for a further three years. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Women’s Mini Marathon team to deliver more fantastic events. I want to extend our congratulations to the thousands of women that crossed the finish line today. The atmosphere and sense of camaraderie amongst participants is phenomenal.”
Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Dublin, Caroline Conroy said “As the Lord Mayor of Dublin, it gives me great pleasure to be part of this truly amazing event, which celebrates tens of thousands of women coming together. Dublin city is proud to have played host to this event for the last 41 years, and I hope that it continues to play a part in our city’s life for many more”.
Every woman received a 2023 commemorative medal when they crossed the finish line at the event. Leanne Hanafin of 98FM was also on hand to provide entertainment at the finish line. Event partners the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists hosted a Cool Down Stage at Merrion Square, along with offering complimentary treatments.
Preparations for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon starts 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 Race Day by 900 stewards from various sports clubs and scouting groups.
