Charity comes first at Mini-Marathon

With over seven weeks to go to the showpiece event in Ballina, the Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon has already raised a substantial amount of money for good causes.

Local charities play a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs and challenges within our communities. They are deeply ingrained in the fabric of the locality, possessing an intimate understanding of the issues and individuals they serve.

Since its inception in 2010, the Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon has raised millions for charities and community groups.

So far, over €5,600 has been donated with Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland receiving over €2,800 and Anam Cara Parental and Sibling Bereavement Support receiving over €2,300.

Just last year, the Lambert and Barroso families in Westport raised a staggering amount of money for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

Sinéad Lambert-Barroso, 55, died in the care of Mayo Roscommon Hospice in December 2022, leaving behind her loving husband José and their son Evan.

Sinéad was a much-loved figure in Westport where she ran Sol Rio Restaurant with her husband José.

Sinéad's family and friends took part in the Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon in Ballina last April to raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice as a fitting tribute to her memory. They raised an incredible total of €25,542, which consisted of €16,202 from a GoFundMe page and €9,340 from sponsorship cards and cheque donations.

It was a fitting tribute to Sinéad and shows the power of the Mini-Marathon. It was also special for Sinéad’s brother, Charlie Lambert, the Head of Mayo Sports Partnership, which organises the Mini-Marathon alongside the Western People.

Commercial Manager with the Western People, Aidan McNulty says the company is proud to support the Mini-Marathon.

“We are very proud to be involved in this event since its formation in 2010. The fact that this event has raised so much money for local charities is very pleasing, particularly as it is a difficult time for those organisations with the cost of bills rising,” Mr McNulty said.

“Over €1.5 million has been donated to great causes thanks to the kindness of the people of Mayo.” 

Promotions, Awareness and Evaluation Officer with Mayo Sports Partnership, Janette Slattery, says the Mini-Marathon is a great platform for charities.

“It’s fantastic to see over €5,600 raised for good causes so far. We strive to give charities and fundraisers the platform that they deserve for their campaigns. We would encourage more people to get on board for this year’s event,” Janette said.

The Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon is coming to Ballina for the second year running on Sunday, May 5, and it promises to be another special day.

Registration for the Mini-Marathon is now open at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com, with the first 1,900 entries receiving a free t-shirt and eco-medal. Walkers, joggers, and runners over the age of 16 are all welcome to register for the main event. The teen girls’ #Its4Girls participation event which is a sub-category of the main event for girls aged 12 to 17, is also open at a reduced rate of just €10.

If you cannot make it on the day, you can still participate in the 10k race virtually. To sign up for the virtual race, visit eventmaster.ie.