Facts And Figures
The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years.
Over those years nearly 740,000 women have entered the event - and the Flora Women's Mini Marathon had a record field of 40,397 on Bank Holiday Monday, June 7th, 2010.
Charities are the big winners. In 2009 it is estimated in excess of €14m was raised by the participants bringing the estimated total since the race started in 1983 close to €100m. All charities benefit. The women decide themselves who they will support and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. It is now the biggest single day charity event in the country.
The event has no equals in its appeal. Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement.
June 12th 1983 has become a very significant date for Irish women. Prior to that it was virtually unknown for women to train in public in the towns and cities of Ireland. It was little better on the world scene. By coincidence the first Women's World Marathon Championship was also held in 1983. Though women competed in marathons in various cities, the World and Olympic governing bodies frowned on distance running by women. Up to 1980 the longest distance women ran in the Olympics was 1,500 metres (1 mile approx).
The Women's Mini Marathon Ltd., Registration No. 270140. Registered Office: 27 Sandyford Office Park, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18
Some things you should know about the Flora Women's Mini Marathon
1. It is the biggest all-women’s event of its kind in the world.
2. The 2009 race was won by Rosemary Ryan, Annette Kealy was the 2008 winner, and Marie Davenport won in 2007. The Millennium race was won by Sonia O’Sullivan while Catherina McKiernan won the previous three Mini Marathons.
3. Since it was first run in 1983, there has been a total entry of nearly 740,000 women.
4. Over the years many of Ireland's leading women personalities, including politicians, broadcasters and journalists, have taken part in the Women's Mini Marathon.
5. Prior to 1983 it was almost unknown for women to train in public places - the Women's Mini Marathon changed all that.
6. Charities are the big winners. In 2009 it is estimated that over €14m was raised for charities big and small and this brings the total since 1983 close to €137m.
7. Everyone who finishes the race receives a commemorative medal and ribbon.
8. About 25 miles of specially designed ribbon is used for the medals - and 14 bands and dancers provide entertainment to add to the carnival atmosphere of the day.
9. Women of every age, every size and every walk of life take part.
10. The Meet and Train Groups are unique to the Women's Mini Marathon. These groups were formed in the first year so that women could feel safe and comfortable training for the event. They continue to thrive.
11. The Women's Mini Marathon was the main theme of the Dublin Healthy City Project at the Healthy Cities European Conference in Belfast in 2000. The Conference was attended by over 250 delegates representing 20 countries.
12. There are nearly 200,000 cups provided on the day of the race at the water stations around the course.
13. The emphasis is on fun. Groups who have trained together hold celebration parties after the race - and then often keep in touch with each other until they start to prepare for the next Women's Mini Marathon.
14. The Mini Marathon idea has been copied in several European cities - Liverpool, Glasgow, London and Oslo now put on all-women events.
15. Over 2,500 crash barriers are used while 2,000 stewards and about 90 Gardai are on duty on the day.
16. Some of Ireland's women international athletes like Catherine Rooney, Christine Kennedy and Catherine Smith developed an interest in running through the Mini Marathon.
17. Every county in Ireland is represented in the race and most support a favourite charity or cause.
18. The event is known worldwide - women from Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Wales, Scotland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, France, England, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Japan have all joined in the fun.
19. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 the numbers taking part have exceeded 40,000 with a record number of 40,4516 taking part in 2008.
The Women's Mini Marathon Ltd., Registration No. 270140. Registered Office: 27 Sandyford Office Park, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18
