Monday June 2, 2008  DUBLIN, IRELAND The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years. Over those years some 560,000 women have entered the event - and the Flora Women's Mini Marathon had a record field of 40,494 on Bank Holiday Monday, June 5, 2006.

All charities benefit. The women decide themselves who they will support and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. It is now the biggest single day charity event in Ireland. The event has no equals in its appeal. Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement.

June 12th 1983 has become a very significant date for Irish women. Prior to that it was virtually unknown for women to train in public in the towns and cities of Ireland. It was little better on the world scene. By coincidence the first Women's World Marathon Championship was also held in 1983. Though women competed in marathons in various cities, the World and Olympic governing bodies frowned on distance running by women. Up to 1980 the longest distance women ran in the Olympics was 1,500 metres (1 mile approx).
Healthwise Personal Trainers can help you with running programs to get up to 10k. In Vancouver, Ivy Dexter will start training groups for the Vancouver Sun Run (April 2008), also a 10k run which would be a great warm up for the Mini Marathon taking place in June 2008.