Almost 40,000 women are set to don their runners and raise millions for charity in the annual women’s mini-marathon in Dublin this Monday.
The largest female-only event of its kind in the world will start at 2pm from Baggot Street, and features 400 participants over 70 years of age.
At the other end of the scale, the minimum age is 14.
Betty Hand (80), from Blanchardstown, has taken part in the 10km run every year since it began in 1983, when it attracted 9,000 runners.
Ms Hand said she was taking part this year to raise money for “Walk in my shoes”, a fundraising initiative by St Patrick’ s University Hospital to provide mental health support across Ireland.
“I’m delighted to be participating . . . mental health is so important and I’m looking forward to taking part for what will be my 33rd time,” she said; €12 million was raised last year and 80 per cent of the women taking part collect money for a charity.
Irish comedian Maeve Higgins, who is a member of the VHI support team, is flying from New York to take part.
“There are women everywhere – all sorts of us, doing our thing. That thing may be running, walking, laughing, chatting,” she said.
“I am very excited about taking part.
“I am hoping the organisers will give me, an ambassador, a head start. If they do, I’m pretty confident I can win this race.”
Adding to the atmosphere on the day, there will be 15 bands and DJs entertaining participants and the crowds.
More than 1,000 people have volunteered to help with running the event on the day.
Also on Monday, the Cork City Marathon is set to attract more than 9,000 runners.
Participants – from those dressed in fancy dress to elite runners, and everything in between – will take part in the half, full and relay marathons, as well as the youth challenge.
The marathon and team relay start on St Patrick's Street at 9am and the half-marathon at 10.45am on Victoria Road.
The assembly area for the half-marathon start is Kennedy Park.
Registration will be open at Cork City Hall on Anglesea Street today from 11am to 6pm and tomorrow from 1pm to 6pm.
Iarnród Éireann has organised extra early morning trains from Cobh and Midleton for the marathon.
Monday Road Closures In Dublin
10.30am-6pm: Hume St , Ely Place, Merrion Row, Baggot St Lr. 6am-6pm: Baggot St Upr, Fitzwilliam Street Lr, Pembroke Street Upr/Lr. 1.30-3.30pm: Pembroke Road, Baggot Street Bridge, Fitzwilliam Street Upr. 8am-6pm: Fitzwilliam Place. 7am-7.30pm: Merrion Sq East , South, West, Merrion Street Upr, Lr Leeson Street. noon-5.30pm: Leeson St Bridge 1-5.30pm: Adelaide Rd, Nutley Lane. Traffic diversions 1.50-4.30pm: Pembroke Rd, Shelbourne Rd, Ballsbridge, Merrion Rd. 1.30-4pm: Cranford Estate, Fosterbrook, Seafield Rd, Teach Cloiche, Ashfield Park, The Elms, Glenomena Park, Trimblestown Rd, Stillorgan Rd from Fosters Ave to Donnybrook, Morehampton Rd, Leeson Street Upr.
Dublin bike station closures from 10pm, tomorrow, to 7pm on Monday: Merrion Square West, Fitzwilliam Square East , Wilton Terrace, James Street East . Access may be restricted to other stations on the day.
