Donegal's Nakita Burke clocked up a time of 34:27 as she ran to victory in this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in near 24 degrees heat.
The Letterkenny Athletic Club runner beat second place Courtney McGuire of Clonmel Athletic Club by six seconds with Teresa Doherty of Finn Valley AC in third place in a time of 34:58.
Shauna Bocquet from Craughwell, Galway won the Elite Wheelchair Category in a time of 26:59.
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Over 20,000 women took to the streets of Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday to walk, jog or run in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon - with the title sponsors announcing they have extended their sponsorship for a further three years.
Vhi’s sponsorship extension marks the continuation of a successful partnership that began in 2014 and has seen hundreds of thousands of women participate in the event, raising over €226 million for over 700 charities nationwide and supporting women in their pursuit of health and fitness goals in the process.
This annual celebration of women is an inclusive event, embracing women of all ages and fitness levels with women aged 14 to 93 taking part.
Speaking afterwards, David O’Leary, General Manager of the Women’s Mini Marathon said: “Congratulations to the many thousands of women who took to the streets of Dublin.
“There’s no other event like the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon; the sense of celebration and camaraderie, the emotion, the laughter and the fun atmosphere all make the day so special. We’re proud to be able to produce an event which means so much to all women.
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who each year give so generously of their time to help make this event happen, as well as the community groups and charities who continue to support the event year after year.
“And of course, I’d like to thank the women of Ireland for coming out in their thousands.
“I would particularly like to mention our wonderful sponsors, and in particular our title sponsors Vhi.
“We’re delighted to be able to announce the extension of our partnership for the next three years and look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver many more years of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon”.
Brian Walsh, Chief Executive, Vhi Group said: “Vhi is very proud to partner with the Women’s Mini Marathon, it’s a brilliant way for us to live our purpose of helping our customers to live longer, stronger, healthier lives, and we’re delighted to announce today that we have renewed our sponsorship for a further three years.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Women’s Mini Marathon team to deliver more fantastic events. I want to extend our congratulations to the thousands of women that crossed the finish line today. The atmosphere and sense of camaraderie amongst participants is phenomenal.”
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Caroline Conroy said: “As the Lord Mayor of Dublin, it gives me great pleasure to be part of this truly amazing event, which celebrates tens of thousands of women coming together. Dublin city is proud to have played host to this event for the last 41 years, and I hope that it continues to play a part in our city’s life for many more”.
Every woman received a 2023 commemorative medal when they crossed the finish line at the event.
Preparations for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon starts early in September each year, with a team dedicated to ensuring that they deliver a fun and memorable day out for all the participants.
They are assisted on Race Day by 900 stewards from various sports clubs and scouting groups.
Meanwhile, Polish runner Pawel Kosek won yesterday’s Cork City Marathon. He romped over the finish line on Patrick Street at a time of 2:28:24. It was his fourth time taking part in the Cork Marathon.
Second place was Gary O’Hanlon from Clonliffe Harriers in a time of 2:28:58.
The first woman past the line was Georgie Bruinvels from the UK who came over the line in 2:42:15.
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