The Women's Mini Marathon is an annual 10k event, which takes place every June bank holiday Sunday on the streets of Dublin, Ireland.^[1] It is the largest women's event of its kind in the world, and is the largest one-day charity fundraising event in Ireland. The event, which is currently sponsored by Irish insurance company Vhi Healthcare, celebrated its 40th event in 2022.

Quick Facts 's Mini Marathon, Dublin, Date ...

Women's Mini Marathon, Dublin
Date	Sunday of June Bank Holiday Weekend
Location	Dublin, Ireland
Event type	Road
Distance	10km
Primary sponsor	Vhi Healthcare
Established	1983
Course records	31:28 (2000) Sonia O'Sullivan
Official site	Dublin Women's Mini Marathon
Participants	25,480 (2019)

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In 1983,^[2] 9,000 women entered the inaugural event. The event grew in popularity as women took more interest in their health and fitness. In 2014 it reached a record attendance when over 41,000 women participated.

Since its inception, participants have raised over €226 million for charitable causes throughout Ireland. Participants decide which charity they will support.

The Women's Mini Marathon is a national institution, beloved by women throughout the country, and every year brings enormous cultural, economic, and societal benefits to the city.

A small group of male athletes gathered in the Mill House in Stillorgan in 1983.^[3] They concluded that an all-women's race would be suitable for increasing female participation.^[3] The Evening Press were named as sponsors and Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club as the host club.^[3]

Several Irish women's distance runners have taken part in the race. Catherina McKiernan recorded her first of four wins in her autobiography, Running for My Life, saying: "I enjoyed every moment of it. The crowds were more incredible than I expected, and it was just something I always wanted to do."^[3]

In recent years, charities have used online services such as Facebook, Twitter, and podcasting to promote their involvement.^[4]

The race has had a large list of sponsors throughout its history. VHI is the current title sponsor and intends to continue its association with the race until 2021.^[5]

From the beginning, a Dublin evening newspaper has promoted the race, acting as its media sponsor.^[5] The Evening Herald took over this role from the Evening Press in 1996 when it went defunct in 1995. In 2001, it was known as the Tesco Ireland Evening Herald Women's Mini-Marathon.^[6] For the 2003 race, the Herald and Nike were the only sponsors.^[5] Other sponsors have included Elverys, Citroën and Newbridge Silverware.^[5] From 2004 until 2014 it became known as the Flora Women's Mini Marathon. The Order of Malta is involved on the day.^[5]

The 3 June 2018 VHI Women's Mini Marathon moved to a Sunday event. 30,000 women lined out for the race. It was won by Lizzie Lee in a time of 34 minutes and 18 seconds. The 2020 VHI Women's Mini Marathon was due to take place on Sunday, 31 May 2020. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, the event was postponed and later canceled. A Virtual Women's Mini Marathon was instead planned over ten days 1–10 October. The 2021 event was also virtual and took place on 19 September 2001. The 2022 event returned to the streets of Dublin on Sunday 5 June.

To prepare for the event, over 2,200 crash barriers are set up at the start and finish, on the course, and in the Reunion Area around Merrion Square. Approximately 110,000 paper cups are laid out at the water stations which supply over 34,000 litres of water for the participants, and some 250 toilets are ordered for the day. Over 1000 race stewards and personnel are on hand to ensure that the event runs smoothly on the day.^{[citation needed]}

Multiple times World Cross-Country silver medalist Catherina McKiernan won the event in 1998, 1999, and 2004. Sonia O'Sullivan won the event in 2000, months before she went on to win the silver in the Olympic 5000m.^[6] O'Sullivan's time of 31m 23s set a record that has yet to be beaten in this race. Kenya's Magdaline Chemjor won the 2001 edition. Lizzie Lee won the event in 2018 and later went on to win the Irish National Title and finish third outright in the Dublin Marathon in October that year.

Setanta Sports broadcast race highlights each year from 2005 to 2015 and each year the event is featured by all national media broadcasters.

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