EVERY one of the 3,000 plus people who took part in the Cook Medical Mini Marathon in Limerick last Sunday were winners in their own right.
And the biggest winners were not those who came first across the line but the charities and good causes that will benefit from the sponsorship and fundraising of ordinary runners and walkers.
The total raised for charities recorded on the EventMaster site for those who had linked their chosen charity to the race site was €32,000.
And, a spokeswoman for the yearly race added, “that’s just the money we know about. A lot of people had other fundraising methods, like GoFundMe, so as far as the benefits to charity are concerned, it’s even more.”
From suicide prevention groups to cancer research, children’s charities and mental health and sporting projects, just about everyone who turned out was brining joy to some cause.
On the running side, Limerick’s Declan Moore of Bilboa AC in Cappamore took second place while Karl Fitzmaurice from Shannon placed third in the men’s race.
Now in its 25th year, the event saw participants of all ages and abilities run, jog, and walk the 5km and 10km courses.
In 2022, the race changed from a women’s event to an all-inclusive race, welcoming everyone to come together and have fun.
This year, participants from 26 counties in Ireland took part, as well as international virtual participants in many regions including America, Canada, India, Austria, and the UK.
Commenting on the event, Carla DiBenedetto, HR director and race ambassador at Cook Medical, said: “We’re thrilled to see so many people taking part in the Cook Medical Mini Marathon. This event celebrates togetherness and inclusivity, while also raising vital funds for charity.”
“The people who take part are what make it so special. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone who participated.”
