Castlebar is getting all geared up to welcome thousands of women to the Mayo capital for the 4th Western People West of Ireland Women's Mini-Marathon. The event is expected to attract several thousand participants, supporters, family, friends etc. The organisers are delighted that Sonia O Sullivan and her family will be present on the day and are planning a top quality event which will have something for everybody whether you are a participant or a supporter.

The 10-kilometre run and walk is being co-organised by the Western People and Mayo Sports Partnership. Main event sponsor is Connaught Gold with other partners including Castlebar Town Council, Mayo County Council, 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.

Speaking about the upcoming event Western People Editor James Laffey said: " We in the Western People are delighted that this event seems to have captured the imagination of women all ages and abilities throughout the region. We would hope to build on the success of the last three mini marathons 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.


"Its been fantastic to see the response. All over 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 three weeks away the excitement is building. To capture the festival atmosphere the Mall, will incorporate a stage with music, food court area, childrens activity zone etc. 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 5th May and again the organisers would kindly ask the public to acknowledge these restrictions for the health and safety of all. These are listed below

9.30am Mall Closure- until 4pm
Ellison Street Closure 11.30am - 3pm
Lower Spencer St Closure 10.30am - 12.30am
Duke St 12 Noon - 1pm
Newport Rd to Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
Pound Rd 12 Noon - 1pm
Gallows Hill 12 Noon - 1pm
Newline 12 Noon - 1pm
Pontoon Rd to Ballinacarriga 12 Noon - 2pm
Ballinacarriga to Ballynew 12 Noon - 2pm
Ballynew / Turlough Rd 12 Noon - 2.30pm
Staball Hill / Thomas St 12.15 - 2.30pm
Bridge St 12.15 - 2.30pm
Main Street 12.15- 2.30pm


If residents, businesses etc along the route would like to decorate their houses / premises for the event the Sports Partnership can assist by supplying some bunting, balloons etc. For more information contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025.