Women encouraged to take part in virtual 2021 Mini Marathon

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is going virtual for the second year running in 2021.

The event, now in its 39th year, will take place virtually on Sunday, September 19th with the help of the brand-new Official Event App that has been developed to support those looking to walk, jog and run the 10km route anywhere in the country.

Dublin West County Champion Emma-Jane Stoker-Phelan is encouraging people to get involved in this year’s event.

Stoker-Phelan, a 27-year old musician, says her charity of choice, Irish Therapy Dogs helped her immensely during a tough period of her life.

Her journey with both the Mini Marathon and Irish Therapy Dogs started in 2016.

She has battled Anorexia Nervosa over the last 10 years, and has benefitted first-hand from the volunteers of Irish Therapy Dogs during a five-month long hospital admission.

As soon as she was discharged from hospital, she started training her one-year-old Golden Retriever, Toby.

He was accepted immediately after his interview and assessment at the age of two.

Emma says: “This year’s theme is Power Of Me, which I feel is very fitting to me personally.

“I believe we can all make a difference, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

“I felt like I could never make a difference in the world after being unwell; I was still struggling so much but I wanted to give back.

“Once we started to visit our local nursing home each week, the effect on the residents was unbelievable.

“I saw completely unresponsive patients try to get out of their wheelchairs to interact with Toby.”

Irish Therapy Dogs is a small charity who are entirely reliant on the generosity of the public for their funding.

As well as her work with Irish Therapy Dogs, Emma also enjoys running: “I had always enjoyed running but I started taking it more seriously around that time as a way to stay on track with my recovery; to keep me motivated in fuelling my body, and also as a way to de-stress and keep my head clear.

“Being outside in the fresh air even for 15 minutes makes such as big difference for me.

“The Mini Marathon was my first competitive race and was a great goal to keep as a focus.

“I love the Mini Marathon because it is such a special event with the most inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

“It’s my favourite event to compete in each year because it’s about so much more than running. It’s about empowering women, building each other up, spreading awareness for the causes that are near to our hearts.”

Registration for the event is now open on www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie.

Every participant will receive a Race Pack, including a brand-new Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon t-shirt, and the 2021 commemorative medal.

Participants can also download and personalise their race number to wear while they are completing the 10km, in September.