‘Friendship and strength’: Statue of female runner unveiled for the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon this year

A special statue, made of sustainably-sourced wood, will be displayed in Dublin to show solidarity with female runners across the country as they participate in the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon.

After much-awaited anticipation and training, the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon has finally kicked off. 

Over 20,000 women across the country are gearing up to join the virtual event, completing ten kilometres their way and raising money for local charities.

And in their honour, Vhi and the Women’s Mini Marathon have commissioned a statue of a female runner made from more than 200 pieces of sustainably-sourced wood.

The statue will be displayed outside the Mansion House in Dublin city centre for the duration of the virtual event, from October 1st to 10th.

Cara’s support and solidarity 

The statue is called ‘Cara’, meaning ‘friend’ in Irish, and represents all the women who’ve shown friendship and strength in taking up the charitable baton and participating in the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon this year.

Hazel Chu, Lord Mayor of Dublin, said: “The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is one of the biggest events to take place every year in Dublin, as well as being one of the largest all female participation events of its kind in the world.

“The streets of Dublin are synonymous with this event, so we are delighted to house ‘Cara’ at the Mansion House for the duration of the event.

“While we can’t be together for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon this year, Cara is symbolic of every woman all over the country taking part over the next ten days.

“I hope all of the participants enjoy taking part, and that they know their fundraising is greatly appreciated by all of the causes that benefit from a special event like this.”

Last chance to sign up

From October 1st to 10th, participants will have ten days to complete ten kilometres at their own pace, whether they choose to walk, jog or run.

Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon Ambassador, Demi Isaac Oviawe, has chosen to complete one kilometre each day.

“I am delighted that Vhi and the Women’s Mini Marathon have been able to organise this special virtual race,” she said.

“With all of the disruption this year, it has been fantastic to have the training and fundraising for this event to keep me going!

“I plan to run 1km each day; you’ll be able to follow along with me on my social media channels. I am running on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society and I can’t wait to get going!”

If you’d like to join the virtual event, registration is still open on www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie. 

Every participant will receive a Race Pack, including a brand-new finisher t-shirt and a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon commemorative medal. For further information visit www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie or follow the race on Facebook or Twitter. Don’t forget to hashtag your race photos with #VhiWmm.

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