Volunteers sought for Women's Mini-Marathon in Ballina

The Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon is just ten days away and a call is being made this week for volunteers to help with the event.

Volunteering for events like the Mini-Marathon is vital for the race to take place and it is a great way to meet people, create an atmosphere and be part of a community that encourages women of all ages in the main event and the Its4Girls race as they complete the 10km course and the primary school children along with their family and friends in the Mini Mini fun race.

Mary Dunne and Vincent McHale are committed volunteers helping with events down through the years.

Vincent works with the Mayo Volunteer Centre, and they help to recruit volunteers for events like the Mini-Marathon.

“I work with the Mayo Volunteer Centre. We help to recruit and engage the volunteers for the event. We work with all kinds of organisations throughout the county who are looking for volunteers. We try and connect them up then with people who are interested in volunteering and helping out in their local areas.” 

There are many different aspects that a volunteer is required for at the Mini Marathon whether that be helping with traffic, handing out water or motivating the runners along the route, but all are important roles in helping the event to proceed.

“The volunteers are the backbone of any kind of community events. Without their time, energy and skills, a lot of events just wouldn't happen,” said Vincent. “Even just from a cost perspective without the help of volunteers you just wouldn't be able to run these things.

“But it's not just from that side of it. They bring their own local knowledge, their own community spirit to the events to create that welcoming atmosphere for people, especially the likes of the Mini-Marathon. People coming from outside of Ballina, running 10km is not an easy thing and I am sure there are plenty of points along the way where people would feel like giving up.

“The volunteers there are not just directing traffic, they are cheering people on, trying to motivate people, trying to get them to the end. They buy into that side of it as well.” 

Volunteering is the backbone of most sporting organisations in the country and without those willing to give their time, events like the Mini-Marathon would not be able to take place.

Mary started volunteering when the event began in Castlebar and the Mayo Sports Partnership put out a call looking for people to help.

“I volunteered when it came to Castlebar when Charlie Lambert and Mayo Sports Partnership were looking for volunteers. 

“We all know about Dublin Mini-Marathon, it was the only women's Mini-Marathon for years. And many the woman, including myself, would have travelled from the West to take part in it. So, to have the Mini-Marathon in Mayo is marvellous.” 

Mary got involved in volunteering when her children were young and it has continued from there, starting out locally and progressing through the ranks to county and national level.

“I've always been a volunteer. It doesn't matter what sport it is or what parents’ association or what school nothing can survive unless we have volunteers. Nothing. That's the reality of it. I've always been ready to put my hand up to volunteer if it meant something could get across the line.” 

Volunteering can be a daunting task for people, especially if they feel that it may require doing specific roles but there are so many different areas that require a helping hand.

For anyone who would like to run, walk or jog but may not be able to and still want to be part of the day, volunteering is a great way to get involved and all it takes is to put a hand up.

“We all start somewhere and the first step for being a volunteer is to put your hand up,” says Mary. “It's the simplest thing. Hand out a jersey, give somebody a bottle of water. You're helping somebody.

“Don't be afraid. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a whole team to get an event off the line.

“It is a brilliant atmosphere and its going from strength to strength. But to do that we are going to continue to have volunteers.” 

Mary encourages anyone who can sign up to volunteer, especially teenagers who are not taking part in the race itself.

“Teenagers would be great at volunteering if they don't want to do the run themselves. Out they go, they'll be told where they have to go, what they have to do and they can have a bit of fun and a laugh with their friends.” 

Speaking on behalf of Mayo Sports Partnership, Charlie Lambert said: “As we celebrate the 17th year of the Mini-Marathon, and our third year hosting the event in Ballina, it is important to recognise that our volunteers are truly at the heart of this event.

“A very special thank you goes to the volunteers who have supported the Mini-Marathon over the years. On the day, over 200 volunteers from local clubs and community groups generously give up their time to ensure the event is delivered to the highest standard.

“Quite simply, the event would not take place without their commitment and dedication on the May Bank Holiday Sunday. Their efforts ensure that every participant has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience, and we are incredibly grateful for the role they play in the continued success of the Mini-Marathon.” 

Volunteers required for the event include: Race Steward, Security Steward, Entertainment Volunteer, Marshals, Water Station Volunteer, Chute Volunteers, Administration Volunteers, Litter Control Volunteer, Sports Volunteers, Physiotherapist Volunteers and Health and Safety Volunteers.

If you would like to be part of this fantastic event that promises to benefit many charities and good causes throughout the West of Ireland, contact Ray McNamara, Mayo Sports Partnership at msp@mayococo.ie or call/text 087-6973093 to register your name and area of interest. Mayo Sports Partnership look forward to hearing from you and working with you for this exciting sporting event.

For anyone who wishes to partake in the West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon, the Its4Girls race, and the Mini Mini - you register now on www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com. Over 1,850 people have registered to date, so anyone wishing to take part in this year’s event in encouraged to book their spot.