More than 3000 participants are expected to take part in the 2016 Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon which will take place in Limerick on Sunday, October 30th 2016.
More than 3000 participants are expected to take part in the 2016 Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon which will take place in Limerick on Sunday, October 30th 2016.
Now in its 18th year, the event which is used as a fundraising event for many local and national charities will once again offer two distances, namely a 5KM and a 10KM course.
The 2016 event was officially launched today at The Strand Hotel by Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon where it was also announced that the 2016 event will be run in memory of Gemma Carcaterra.
Gemma Carcaterra (42) was a keen runner and actively participated in many running events in Limerick, taking part in the 2015 Women’s Mini Marathon less than three months after her baby triplets were born.
She died suddenly last February and her running friends, known as the 'Leggy Ladies' are fundraising in her honour with a special ’Gemma’s little stars’ fundraising page being set up on the official event website www.LimerickMiniMarathon.com
Gemma will also be remembered with three stars on the back of every commemorative t-shirt that will be given to all registered participants in the race.
“All of us who were lucky enough to call this extraordinary lady and bright ray of sunshine our friend were devastated by her untimely passing,” said Laura Ryan, a member of Gemma’s running group.
“Gemma's energy and positivity was infectious, she was always smiling and her sunny disposition was reflected in her trademark bright running gear. We all miss her greatly, the motivation on long runs, the chats, the laughs, the coffees after training but mostly her warm, friendly face and love for life. We were all so privileged to call her our friend and we’re delighted that the Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon is being run in her honour this year.”
As well as the numerous charities benefiting from fundraising at this event, the run is also the main fundraising event for Limerick Athletic Club. Tim Crowe , President of Limerick AC said “We are delighted to see this event growing year on year and with over 700 women already registered, the 2016 event looks like been another huge success. Funds from this event allow us to grow our full athletics program each year, so it is vital to the ongoing development for our club”.
Speaking on behalf of the new event title sponsor Cook Medical, Alice O’Dwyer (Vice President of HR Cook Medical EMEA) said ”We are delighted to be part of the official launch of the Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon. Cook Medical marks 20 years in Limerick this year and sponsoring the Women’s Mini Marathon is a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone. We are proud of our engagement with our local community where we have supported many local activities and charities over the years. As a medical device company we are interested in health and wellbeing, therefore the marathon was a natural partner for us. We wish all involved the very best with this year’s event and look forward to a great day out for all the family.’’
Race Director John Cleary encouraged people to register early as the event is limited to only 3000 places. “The message is to register early at www.limerickminimarathon.com to avoid disappointment. The early bird price ends this Friday September 9th. This event will be the headline event of the October Bank Holiday weekend and which promises to be another great weekend for Limerick.”
