Registration is now open for the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, the world’s largest all-female event of its kind.
Now in its 44th year, the 10km event will take place on Sunday, 31st May at 12.30pm, with close to 30,000 women expected to walk, jog or run through Dublin City Centre on the day.
Entrepreneur Aimee Connolly, broadcaster and presenter Katja Mia, health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon and content creator Clóda Scanlon return this year as Vhi ambassadors, encouraging women of all fitness abilities to join them on May 31st for what promises to be an inspiring and uplifting day.
The Benefits of Movement
To mark this year’s launch, Vhi commissioned research with 500 female runners to highlight the positive impact of running and walking on women’s physical and mental wellbeing.
KEY FINDINGS
74% of women say walking or running improves their overall physical health;
73% say it boosts their mood; 53% say it helps manage stress and 68% cite mental health benefits as a key reason they run or walk;
64% say running or walking helps manage PMS or menstrual symptoms, but 74% say they have been prevented from exercising due to symptoms; 89% feel these symptoms impact their confidence when exercising;
Among women who have given birth, 80% say running or walking supported their recovery;
77% believe signing up to a mass participation event would help them stay motivated and 82% say joining a community run group would help them reach their goals.
SUPPORT FROM SIGN-UP TO START LINE
With the campaign theme ‘Because You Can,’ Vhi is aiming to inspire women to take that first step, whichever way they choose to participate. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon website now features an AI assistant to guide participants through registration, answer FAQs and provide instant event support.
Vhi members can continue to claim a refund on their entry fee via Snap & Send in the Vhi App, helping to make healthy choice that little bit easier. Participants will also have access to training plans for walkers, joggers and runners, plus healthy, nutritious recipes developed by Vhi ambassador, Nathalie Lennon. These are all available at vhiwomensminimarathon.ie and on @VhiWMM social channels.
NEW ‘RUN SERIES’
New for 2026, Nathalie Lennon will also host a Vhi Run Series; a three part programme with 3km, 5km and 8km running events to help women build their distance gradually across the 12-week campaign in a supportive community environment.
Participants can also access certified training and health tips from Vhi health experts on Vhi Verified at vhi.ie/blog.
Every participant will receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon finishers medal and an official event t-shirt is available as an opt-in during registration. Early sign up is advised. Last year’s event sold out in record time.
Register now at: http://www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie
