Charities reap benefits of Mini-Marathon

Charity is one of the key aspects of the 2025 Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon.

This year’s mini-marathon, which is being held in Castlebar on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 4, will bring women together to fundraise for worthy causes.

Hundreds of thousands of euros have been raised for local and national charities by women participating in the Mayo.ie Western People Women's Mini-Marathon since 2009. Indeed, the original concept for the mini-marathon was two-fold – to encourage increased female participation in sport and to give women in the West of Ireland an event where they could fundraise for the charity of their choice.

At registration on www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com, participants have the option to select a charity for which to fundraise and to set up an individual fundraising page. This can also be added after registration.

If a charity would like to partner with the event in Castlebar, the organisers would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing woiminimarathon@gmail.com and the team will help you get set up - or download the guide on the website page: www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com/charity-fundraising.

Charlie Lambert, Head of Mayo Sports Partnership, which organises the Mini-Marathon, said: “Over the years, the Mini-Marathon has given many people and groups opportunities to raise funds for a worthy cause.

“I have a personal experience of this when in 2023 my family participated in the Mini-Marathon to raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice in memory of my wonderful sister Sinead. It was a very emotional and fulfilling day for us all.” 

This year, an example of fundraising for Mayo Roscommon Hospice is Samantha McDonagh, who taking part in memory of her mother, Christina, who passed away in August 2023.

On Samatha’s fundraising page, she said: “While we were fortunate to be able to care for Mam through her illness at home, the Hospice nurses provided great support and comfort in her final days.

“The services the Hospice provides in our communities and in their facilities in Mayo and Roscommon are invaluable, and they allow our loved ones to pass with dignity.” 

Maria McGuinness, of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, said: “The foundation relies on fundraising to fund and develop palliative care services in the community and our hospices in Castlebar and Roscommon.

“We would be incredibly grateful if any ladies taking part in this year's mini-marathon would consider raising funds for our services. If they call our office on 094-9388666 or email info@hospice.ie we would be delighted to help them set up a fundraising page, print sponsorship cards and provide hospice T-shirts.” 

Martina Jennings, CEO of the Foundation, added: “The Mini-Marathon is a fantastic event and every year participants have raised funds to help us fund palliative care services in the community and our hospices. We are incredibly grateful to the organisers for providing this platform, and we wish all involved every success again this year."

Dozens of women have already registered to participate in the Mini-Marathon for charity. You can show your support by donating to your chosen charity through the Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon website.

Registration uptake for this year’s event is surpassing previous years, and anyone wishing to register should ensure they do so as soon as possible to guarantee their T-shirt. Register online at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com.