Getting ready for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

WOMEN from St Anne’s and Thomas Davis’ GAA clubs have joined forces for the first time to run the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon together next June.

Training is now in full swing for the endeavour, which is being led by Glenda Murphy-Smullen and Noreen Hoare from St Anne’s, and Carmel Lynch-McGinty from Thomas Davis.

Over 60 women from the two clubs have signed up, with Noreen leading twice-weekly training sessions and Glenda posting training guidance in the WhatsApp group for the women taking part.

Carmel is organising the bus that will bring the women to and from the mini marathon, and the entertainment in the Thomas Davis clubhouse afterwards.

Carmel told The Echo: “About 60 women between the two clubs will be going, and we’ll have entertainment and a get-together in Thomas Davis afterwards.

“It’s just bringing the community together, and that’s what the GAA is about – we’re all friends off the pitch.”

Noreen, Carmel and Glenda

Carmel is currently training to take on the 10k mini marathon, and recently completed a 7k and is planning to continue building up her running distance for the event.

“There has been a great uptake,” said Carmel, when asked about the response the initiative between the two clubs has received.

“Everyone’s rocked in behind us, and this is the first time we’re doing this.

“We’re hoping to make it an annual event.

“It’s great for the community to see the two clubs coming together, and maybe the men from the two clubs will take on the big marathon together!”