Limerick, Ireland: Over 2,500 athletes participated in the Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon this weekend. Now in its 18th year, the event raises funds for worthy local and national causes, with over 75 charities set to benefit from this year’s event.
The 10km race saw Grace Lynch in first place in a time of 36 minutes 38 seconds, followed closely by Orla Drumm in second and Carol Finn in third place.
This year’s event was run in memory of Gemma Carcaterra, the mother of three young babies and a keen runner who tragically passed away last February.
The marathon brought wonderful color and fun to the Castletroy area, while family and friends cheered on participants along the 5km and 10km routes. This carnival atmosphere was befitting of the fact that it was the headline event of Limerick’s October Bank Holiday weekend activities.
Alice O’ Dwyer, VP of HR, at 10km start line at the Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon 2016
Among the familiar faces spotted taking part in the race were local TD and former Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan, along with Operation Transformation’s Lucy Dillon, this year’s official race ambassador.
Lucy, who has turned her life around since the TV show earlier this year, has recently taken up running for the first time. Commenting on the marathon she said:
‘I am so excited and proud to be the official Ambassador for the Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon this year. It was such an amazing feeling to cross the finish line today with so many amazing women. This year, I have gone from not being able to run for one minute to completing a 10km route! Events like this give women the opportunity to improve their health and fitness while having fun with like-minded women. Anything is possible.’
The event is supported by Cook Medical, a leading medical device company which employs 850 people in Castletroy.
Speaking today, Alice O’Dwyer, Vice President of HR Cook Medical EMEA, said:
‘We are very proud to be part of this wonderful event and occasion. It is heartening to see so many women participate in the run and for all their supporters to come out and create such an amazing atmosphere along the route. Cook Medical marks 20 years in Limerick this year and we are delighted to be the title sponsors of such a worthwhile community event.’