In contrast to other running events in Dublin, the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon was a spectacle of joy and camaraderie, with scarcely any signs of agony on view at the finish line. This uplifting atmosphere was maintained on a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon where some 25,000 ladies finished the race on Baggot Street.
One participant, Paula Flanagan of Co Laois, was not hindered by physical difficulties. Flanagan approached the finish line limping and holding one of her trainers. Despite running the last 4km with a single training shoe due to a numb foot and multiple blisters, she managed to finish the marathon. Flanagan’s perseverance paid off, finishing the race in 1hr 3mins, improving on her previous year’s performance by about eight minutes.
Flanagan’s determination was noteworthy when asked why she persisted in completing the marathon despite her shoe dilemma. She stated her commitment to the event, emphasizing its unique importance to women. The reason behind her resolve, she claimed, was her unwillingness to miss such a special occasion.
Íde Nic Dhomhnaill emerged the winner, paving the way with a completion time of 33 minutes and 23 seconds. She led the race a minute ahead Lydia Meghan Ryan, the runner-up from Dundrum South Dublin AC who clocked the 10km race at 34 minutes and 54 seconds. Maebh Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers AC took the third spot with a result of 35 minutes and 2 seconds.
The event was filled with thousands of women participating on behalf of various charities, supporting numerous causes such as cancer research, cardiac health, homelessness and hospices. Many runners represented organisations such as the Simon Community, Vincent de Paul, Laura Lynn and Pieta House, while also showcasing hundreds of personal stories.
Among the joyful finishers was Agnate Kavenaske, resident of Tyrellstown via Latvia. Kavenaske, who finished in 58 minutes, was overjoyed over bettering her previous year’s record by a minute as she was warmly received by her son Lucas.
Running under hot conditions presented a challenge, yet the commendable level of support made up for it, according to Kavenaske. She had nothing but praise for the supportive atmosphere, which she did say “was what made the event truly meaningful.” She had plans to celebrate the day by firing up the grill for a barbecue and indulging in a few Aperol Spritz cocktails.
Another participant, Patricia Horgan from Collins Avenue was in high spirits before the beginning of her 42nd mini marathon. Among a select group of women who have entered every race since 1983, Patricia seemed sanguine. She finds running therapeutic and a fantastic way to relieve stress, stating “You can never feel bad after a run.” Even though she got a pacemaker 16 years prior, she has continued running, which she says has kept her honest.
Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show host, Katja Mia, was participating in her second mini marathon. Despite her aim of beating her record of slightly over an hour and 15 minutes, her crucial objective was to finish the race without pausing for a chat or a stroll. Mia said, ” Last year was about achieving personal goals since it was her first 10k race.” She added more insights regarding the significance of the event, as it was about fostering a sense of community, supporting fellow women and having her name associated with the event gave her extreme pleasure.”
Mia recalled how her father would take her running in her youth when she was slightly overweight. Although she initially detested it, over the years she developed a routine, starting with running for a few minutes and gradually increasing the duration. For Mia, the journey not only improved her physical health but also demonstrated that if you are committed to something, you can achieve it.