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From Castlebar - County Mayo - General THE West of Ireland is gearing up to welcome thousands of women to Castlebar for the 2nd Western People West of Ireland Women's Mini-Marathon.
The event is expected to attract some 4,000 participants with women travelling from as far as America to take part. And firing the starting pistol will be Castlebar's No. 1 citizen, Enda Kenny, watched over by his minister for tourism and sport, Michael Ring. The 10-kilometre run and walk is being co-organised by the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership. Other partners include event sponsor Connaught Gold, Castlebar Town Council, Mayo County Council, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, the Mayo Athletics Community and local clubs / organisations. While the presence of elite runners is sure to provide the race with a strong competitive element, central to the Women's Mini-Marathon will be the opportunity for all West of Ireland charities to raise much needed funds for their respective organisations. Last year, the race raised more than €500,000 for good causes. Speaking about the upcoming event Western People CEO, Brian Feeney said: "Western People staff are delighted at how this event has captured the imagination of women all ages and abilities. We aim to build on the success of last year's event and with the co-operation of our co-organisers Mayo Sports Partnership it promises to be a day to remember". "The event also presents a wonderful opportunity for local charities to raise vital funds" he added. Now firmly established as the premier event of its kind in the West, the arrival of so many runners, walkers and their families /supporters to Castlebar is sure to boost the local economy. "It's been fantastic to see the response. Women are preparing for the event by training individually or through local meet and train networks which can be very sociable and enjoyable. Its something which we are trying to foster in communities" said Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert. With the mini-marathon a little over two weeks away, the excitement is building. To capture the festival atmosphere, the Mall will incorporate a stage with music, food court area and children's activity zone . The run / walk will commence at 12 noon from the Courthouse with the Mall open to the public from 10.30am - 4pm. The organisers would like to ask participants and members of the public to be environmentally friendly and utilise recyclable waste bins on the Mall as well as the race route itself. Finally with an event of this nature some temporary road closures will be in operation on Sunday May 1st and again the organisers would kindly ask the public to acknowledge these restrictions for the health and safety of all. These are listed below 9am Mall Closure- until 4pm Ellison Street Closure 11.30am - 3pm Registrations for the event will close on Friday April 15th. Participants can still enter online at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com or contact the Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 for information
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