Two of Ireland’s largest participation events will see tens of thousands of people take to the streets on Sunday, May 31, as the country embraces a growing movement towards health, community and active living.

The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon and the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon are expected to attract record participation levels this year, with runners, joggers, walkers and first-time participants of all ages and abilities getting active in Cork, Dublin and communities across Ireland.

From elite athletes chasing personal bests to families and friends taking on their first event together, the atmosphere across marathon weekend will reflect a wider national trend – more people than ever are choosing movement, wellbeing and connection through sport and physical activity.

The Cork City Marathon weekend has become one of the country’s flagship running festivals, attracting participants from across Ireland and overseas for the marathon, half marathon and team relay events. This year will also see Cork host the National Half Marathon Championships, with a strong field set to compete for national honours.

Meanwhile, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon continues to be one of Europe’s largest all-female participation events, empowering women of all backgrounds and abilities to walk, jog or run together in a celebration of fitness, inclusion and community spirit.

Strong participation levels across the country reflect growing engagement with recreational athletics, club activity, workplace wellness initiatives and community exercise programmes, as more people embrace the physical and social benefits of getting active.

Both events are also expected to deliver a significant economic and social boost to local communities, with hotels, restaurants, cafés and businesses benefiting from the influx of participants and supporters over the bank holiday weekend.

Athletics Ireland continues to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved in athletics and participation events in their local communities.

• Find your next Athletics Ireland permitted event: https://www.athleticsireland.ie/get-involved/events-calendar/
• Athletics Ireland and Dundrum South Dublin AC Announce New Partnership: https://www.athleticsireland.ie/athletics-ireland-and-dsd-ac-announce-new-partnership-supporting-elite-female-coaching/