28,000 women turn Dublin purple for sold-out 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

Over 28,000 women took to the streets of Dublin this June Bank Holiday Sunday for the sold-out 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, which reached capacity in record time.

The event, now in its 43rd year, drew women from every corner of Ireland, with participants travelling from far and wide to be part of the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

Participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels came together under this year’s inspiring theme, “Championing Womankind” – a celebration of the strength, resilience and support that women bring to every step of their journey.

Among them were first-timers, seasoned athletes, and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983.

The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest, aged 89, embodied the incredible legacy and spirit of the day. 

The shift in demographics this year was an exciting development, with a surge in younger women taking part.

It’s a trend organisers credit in part to the rise of social and community-focused running clubs across the country. 

The event was won by Grace Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers in a time of 34:17. 

Across the finish line in second place was Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC with a time of 34:35, followed by Jessica Craig of North Down AC with her time of 34:55. 

Sinead Kane from Le Chéile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category with her time of 44:26. 

Kicking off at 12:30pm, the 10KM event began at Fitzwilliam Square, with runners, joggers and walkers making their way through the heart of Dublin.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer them on, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and celebration. 

A much-loved feature returned this year to help keep spirits high – the Vhi FanCam.

Whether you were cheering on a loved one, sending a boost to your best friend, or simply adding a dash of positivity, FanCam messages appeared at two key points during the event: at the start line and again at the 8KM mark on Nutley Lane, right when participants needed that extra lift. 

New for 2025 was the launch of ‘Race Day Live’, a one-hour TV-style programme broadcast live on screens at the start and finish areas.

The show celebrated the elite field of athletes battling it out at the front, and offered everyone on site the chance to watch the race unfold in real time whilst the show was available on our YouTube Live feed. 

In one of the most memorable moments of the day, DJ Mark McCabe surprised the crowd with a live performance of his iconic hit Maniac 2000.

The song, chosen by participants as this year’s start line anthem, had the crowd singing and dancing as they set off on their 10KM journey – just as the sun broke through the clouds, shining down and adding to the electric atmosphere. 

Another innovation that sparked conversation (and a few laughs) was the introduction of Lapee.

Making its Irish debut, Lapee, a hot pink urinal for women, accommodates three users at a time and is 6x faster to use than a portable toilet.

The uniquely designed sanitation solution aligned with the event’s drive towards making more sustainable choices. 

Vhi ambassadors Nathalie Lennon, Katja Mia, Aimee Connolly and Clóda Scanlon were all part of the build-up, encouraging and inspiring participants throughout their journey.

Over the past 12 weeks, fitness and nutrition ambassador, Nathalie Lennon, shared tailored training plans and recipes to fuel participants from start to finish, whether they were walking, jogging or running the route. 

After crossing the finish line at Lower Baggot Street, each participant was awarded a medal to commemorate their achievement.

The celebration continued in the post-race area, where sponsor experiences and giveaways added to the festival atmosphere. 

iDonate, the event’s official fundraising partner, reported a massive total raised on its platform – over €2 million and counting.

This brings the cumulative amount raised by the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon to well over €255 million since its inception in 1982. 

David O’Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon said: “The 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet.

“From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about.

“Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi.”

Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications, Vhi said: “On behalf of everyone at Vhi, heartfelt congratulations to the thousands of women who took part in today’s event.

The energy, determination, and positivity present today is truly inspiring.

Vhi is very proud of our long-standing partnership with the Women’s Mini Marathon, now over a decade strong. This event perfectly reflects Vhi’s purpose—to help our members live longer, stronger, healthier lives.

There was an incredible atmosphere of support and encouragement on the streets of Dublin today. Whether you walked, jogged or ran, it’s a superb achievement to cross the finish line of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, you should all be extremely proud!”

Full race results available at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie/results