Tens of Thousands of Euro raised for Charities through 2021 Virtual Mini Marathon
Date: 07-05-2021
Mayo Day bank holiday weekend was most certainly a sea of pink with people from all over the world taking part in the 2021 Virtual Mayo.ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon celebrating their frontline heroes and supporting charities.
Organised through Mayo Sports Partnership approximately 3,000 participants from across the region and beyond celebrated the annual event by walking, jogging, or running 10K. Included were 400 teenage girls from several Mayo Secondary Schools participating in the ‘Its for Girls’ challenge and 800 Primary School children completing 2K with their families. All participants virtually completed the event while adhering to HSE guidelines.
The vast majority of participants raised tens of thousands of euro for local and national charities including Western Care, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Mayo Mental Health, Cancer Care for Children, Western Alzheimer’s, Pieta House and many more.
“ While not physically able to meet up its amazing the numbers that were involved in this years event. There was a huge groundswell of support for our frontline heros and along with our partners Mayo.ie and the Western People we were delighted to facilitate this ” said Cllr Michael Loftus Chairman Mayo Sports Partnership.
The event now a cornerstone of Mayo Day activities is hugely supported by Mayo.ie. “ Its fair to say that this is the largest womens only event of its kind in the West of Ireland and we are delighted to support the initiative by ensuring all participants receive a specially commissioned t-shirt” Head of Communications with Mayo County Council Martina Hughes commented.
Event sponsors since the events inauguration in 2010 the Western People, have specially commissioned a post event supplement that will capture the photos and stories all over the weekend in this weeks Western People newspaper. Marketing manager Aidan Mc Nulty added
“ Since the start of the mini marathon in 2010 we have recognised that events of this nature are massively important to community health and wellbeing. We are delighted to be able to communicate this message through our paper and will support the event in to the future”
Event Co-ordinator Janette Slattery from Mayo Sports Partnership captured the public mood "It was evident that this year's event was something that people not all wanted... but needed. It was both a joyous and emotional mini-marathon this year. An opportunity to share stories, to feel connected with loves ones and to be 'together though apart'"
Throughout the Pandemic Mayo Sports Partnership continues to promote physical activity in the community and information on its Keep Well campaign can be found on its website at www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership or its Facebook page www.facebook.com/mayosport1 . Printed exercise resource sheets for older adults or people with a disability can also be obtained by phoning the Sports Partnership office 094 9064360 or email msp@mayococo.ie