Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon to take place in Ballina this year

The Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Ballina on Bank Holiday Sunday, April 30 this year. The prestigious event attracts thousands of participants, and is the largest women’s sporting event outside of Dublin. The event has been held in Castlebar since its inception in 2010, and this is the first time it will take place in Ballina, to form a key event in the Ballina 2023 event calendar.

In the spirit of Ballina 2023, the event is a result of a significant collaboration between a host of organisations: Mayo Sports Partnership, local athletics clubs Moy Valley AC and Ballina AC, Ballina Municipal District, Ballina 2023, Mayo.ie and sponsors the Western People.

Speaking at the launch, representatives from Mayo Sports Partnership strongly emphasised that the event is not exclusively for elite athletes or runners, and that it is a social and family event as much as a competitive one. Walkers are especially welcome to participate at their own pace, and the men of the household are invited to come out and support the women, or even to volunteer on the day.

Registration for the West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon is now open, at a cost of €25 for adults and €9 for teenagers aged 13-17. In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, a special early bird rate of €20 applies until that date.

A virtual race option is also available, and details of a mini -mini event for little ones will be announced soon.

All participants will receive a finisher’s medal, and an online fundraising portal will also go live shortly so that participants can raise money for local charities.