Some 20 women who have run every mini marathon since the Dublin event began 25 years ago will be among the competitors taking part in the 10km road race today.
More than 40,000 women will take part in this year's Flora Women's Mini Marathon, which starts at Fitzwilliam Square at 3pm. The winner is expected to reach the finish line on St Stephen's Green East at about 3.30pm.
The mini marathon is still the biggest one-day women's event of its kind in the world and it is also the State's largest one-day charity event. It has raised more than €95 million since it began in 1983. This year's event is expected to raise more than €10 million, as athletes seek sponsorship for their chosen charities.
The event was involved in controversy earlier this year when organisers advised men not to enter, as it was a female-only event. Traditionally, a large number of men have dressed in flamboyant women's clothing to run the race and raise money for charity.
However, because of the popularity of the event, organisers said there wasn't enough room for everyone and these men were taking places that should have gone to women. It remains to be seen if men will defy the ban and don their false eyelashes for today's event.
Met Éireann is forecasting a dry and sunny day for race participants. Afternoon temperatures will range from 16 to 21 degrees and winds will be light to moderate. Race organisers have advised participants to bring a container of water and sunblock. Water stations will be dotted along the route.
This race is being used by the Irish Sports Council as a research tool. It has engaged Waterford Institute of Technology to conduct research among participants to gauge the medium- to long-term impact of such an event.
When women entered the race, they were asked to complete a brief survey about their physical activity habits. With their consent, their activity levels will continue to be measured up to six months after the event.
Gardaí have announced a series of road closures to accommodate today's race. St Stephen's Green South and East will be closed from 6am to 6.30pm. Earlsfort Terrace will be closed from 6am to 4.30pm.
Fitzwilliam Street, Fitzwilliam Place, Merrion Square, Merrion Street, Lower Leeson Street and Hatch Street will be closed between 8am and 4.30pm.
St Stephen's Green North and Kildare Street will be closed from 12.30pm to 6.30pm, while Nutley Lane will be closed from 3pm to 4.45pm.
Traffic diversions will be place at Merrion Gates to Strand Road and Stillorgan Road to Fosters Avenue.
Race organisers have advised athletes and spectators to use public transport to get into the city. The Green Luas line will bring participants close to the starting point. The line is running a five-minute service from 10am.
Highlights from the road race will be shown in an hour-long programme on Setanta Sports tomorrow at 9.45pm.
Meanwhile, more than 2,000 male and female runners will take part in the Cork City Marathon today - the first marathon in the city since 1986.
The marathon, which includes a category for wheelchair athletes, will set off from Patrick Street at 9am.
It will follow the route along Silver Springs, Lover's Walk, Carrigrohane Straight, North Mall, Pope's Quay and Lavitt's Quay before ending up on Patrick Street.
The course will be closed to all traffic during the race, with diversion routes in operation.
