The 40th Echo Women’s Mini Marathon will take place as a virtual event again this year

Organisers are hoping that as many people will take part to help support the many Cork charities that depend on the event’s participants who raise much needed funds every year

Cork Athletics say they will work closely with relevant authorities and Sport Ireland and if it becomes clearer in coming weeks and months that a live event element may become a possibility, they will consider all options and public safety advice before making a decision and an announcement will be made regarding this 

All participants who register for the virtual event on September 19th will be given to option to upgrade their registration to an in person registration for an additional €5 discounted fee.

Early bird registration of €10 is available now and includes medal, race number and postage. It’s 6km and can be completed either by walking, running or jogging in your back garden

Cork Athletics spokesman John Quigley said they are still ironing out the logistics: “We are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.” The big push to mark the 40th anniversary of the marathon puts the focus firmly on the charities. John said they estimate the event generates between one and two million euro for charities every year. “This year, we are introducing a charity element on the website. People can contribute directly to a number of charities — we’ll be adding to this. “Also, separately they can organise their own fund-raising page. “The charities have lost out big time over the past year. The event is worth between 1 and 2 million a year to the charities.”

Due to Covid, he said charities have been left devastated in their fundraising efforts. “We want people to get behind the charities and get out and do it for them.”

Looking ahead to this year’s event, Editor of The Echo, Maurice Gubbins said: “This is the 40th year of The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon and that anniversary is certainly one to be celebrated. “With up to 7,000 women participating every year, many of them sponsored, that represents a massive contribution to Cork charities by the women of our city and county, as well as a whole lot of health giving exercise, fitness, social contact and fun.

“For many of us, the Mini Marathon is a highlight of our year. We enjoy the banter and excitement as the thousands of runners and walkers line up at the start. The craic is always mighty in Kennedy Park as the competitors finish the course, with participants milling round and chatting with family and friends, with the great music, and almost always with the beautiful sunshine. “Sadly, this year, we may not have that big day out. But we can still do a lot in our own places, for our own fitness and health, and most especially for the hundreds of great causes the women of Cork assist through this event every year. “Forty years is a great achievement. We look forward to the next forty. Thanks to everyone who helps to make it happen.”

Registration is open now on the mini marathon website on www.echolive.ie/minimarathon and Facebook page and check out The Echo and Echolive social channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates.