Kilkenny athlete makes huge mark after podium finish at Women's Mini Marathon

There was plenty of Kilkenny cheer on the streets of Dublin today as Grace Richardson ran to victory in the Women’s Mini Marathon.

A powerful performance saw Richardson win the race in a time of 34:17. In doing so she became the latest member of the Kilkenny City Harriers club to grab a podium place in the event - and the third member of her family to do so! Her sister Aoibhe won the 2019 race, with sibling Maebh finishing third in the 2024 race. The Richardsons turned out in force for this year’s race, as three of the sisters joined their mother on the start line. Aoibhe was fourth, with their mother Niamh finishing 48th and Ella 109th.

Second across the finish line was Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC with a time of 34:35, followed by Jessica Craig of North Down AC with her time of 34:55.

Sinead Kane from Le Chéile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category with her time of 44:26.

Grace, Niamh and Aoibhe Richardson after the 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon PICTURE: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Over 28,000 women took to the streets of Dublin on the June Bank Holiday Sunday for the sold-out Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, which reached capacity in record time. Now in its 43rd year the iconic 10km event drew women from every corner of Ireland, with participants travelling from far and wide to be part of the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

Participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels came together under this year’s inspiring theme, ‘Championing Womankind’ – a celebration of the strength, resilience and support that women bring to every step of their journey. Among them were first-timers, seasoned athletes, and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest, aged 89, embodied the incredible legacy and spirit of the day.

SEE MORE: Picture gallery from the Women's Mini Marathon

Kicking off at 12.30pm, the event began at Fitzwilliam Square, with runners, joggers and walkers making their way through the heart of Dublin. Thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer them on, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and celebration.

"The 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet," said David O’Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. "From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about. Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi."

Full race results are available here