Closing date looms for Women's Mini-Marathon in Ballina
Youngsters set off for the Mini-Mini event, which took place in Ballina as part of the Mayo.ie Western People Women's Mini-Marathon in Ballina in 2023. Picture: John O'Grady
The Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon is almost upon us and spots for the event are filling up fast!
The Mini-Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 3rd, and if you want to be a part of it now is the time to sign up.
Adult and teenage participants who wish to wear the specially designed souvenir tech top can collect their event packs in advance at the following times and location: Newman Institute, Cathedral Road, Ballina, F26 YV61 on Friday, May 1st (5-7pm), Saturday, May 2nd (11am-1pm).
Participants can also collect their event packs on the morning of the Mini-Marathon at the event marquee at the Market Square from 8.30am to 11am.
Registration for the Mini-Mini Fun Run 2km for primary school children, which is supported by Healthy Mayo, is still open and it is free.
The Mini-Mini 2km run/walk will take place directly after the start of the Women’s Mini-Marathon at 12.05pm at the Market Square in Ballina.
For those that have registered through their schools and are a local school, their pack will be delivered directly to the school. For all other schools and those who registered through Eventbrite, they can pick up their packs at the Newman Institute at the times above.
Martina Hughes, Head of Communications at Mayo County Council, said the event is a key part of the Mayo Day weekend.
"Mayo.ie and Mayo Day are proud to champion and support the Mayo.ie Western People Women’s MiniâMarathon each year. This event has become a cornerstone of our celebrations, showcasing the strength, spirit, and community pride that define Mayo. Supporting the MiniâMarathon is an important part of our commitment to promoting wellbeing, participation, and togetherness across the county, and we are proud to see the MiniâMarathon continue as a signature event in the Mayo Day programme.”
Speaking about the Mini-Mini event, Community Sports Development Officer Deirdre Donnelly with Mayo Sports Partnership, said: “The Mini-Mini Fun Run is such a special part of the Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon weekend. It’s all about giving children the opportunity to be active, to enjoy being part of something positive, and to experience the fun of taking part alongside their friends and family.
“Physical activity is so important for children’s health and wellbeing, but just as important is creating opportunities where participation is valued over competition. Events like this help to build confidence, encourage healthy habits from an early age, and strengthen that wonderful sense of community spirit we have here in Mayo.”
Every participant that takes part in this year’s event – both adult and child – will also receive a specially commissioned souvenir eco-medal.
There will be some temporary road closures in place when the race takes place in Ballina and delays may be expected.
Please comply with the stewards’ instructions for health and safety reasons.
Finally, if you would like to be volunteer for this fantastic event opportunities remain for stewards, marshals, entertainment, video capturing, physiotherapy, administration and health and safety. If you would like to offer a few hours of your time, please contact Ray McNamara, Mayo Sports Partnership at msp@mayococo.ie or call/text 087-6973093 to register your name and area of interest.
Follow @woiminimarathon on social media for all updates on the event before the big day.
For anyone who wishes to partake in the Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon, the Its4Girls race, and the Mini-Mini, you can still register on www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com until April 30th. Over 1,900 women and teens have registered for the event to date, so anyone wishing to take part in this year’s event in encouraged to book their spot.
