Nine Reasons You Should Do The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon This Year

There's a grand stretch in the evening and summer is just around the corner. That means there's no better time to dust off the running gear and prepare for one of the biggest events in Irish women's sporting calendar. Every June Bank Holiday, thousands of women from home and abroad take part in the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin, the largest women's event of its kind in the world. The 10k charity road race is special, not only for the sense of achievement it gives to its participants but also because of the amount of money that it raises for various charities. If the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has always been on your bucket list then here are some reasons why the 2019 edition should be when you finally sign up for an event that will live long in the memory. Get involved!

1. Improve your fitness

First and foremost, the #VhiWMM presents women with the opportunity to work towards their fitness goals, whatever they may be. With a number of different training programmes available in the build-up to the big day, participants are sure to come out the other end in an improved physical condition.... In fact, you'll be counting the days until next year's event!  

2. You'll use your spare time productively

We're all guilty of watching a bit too much TV or scrolling through our phones in the evenings after work. Preparing for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon though will mean your spare time will be spent much more productively. Having something to work towards will provide you with the motivation required to get off the sofa and out into the fresh air, even for a half hour every evening.

3. Community Spirit

While completing the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is a great personal achievement, the sense of camaraderie at the event is something to behold. From supporters cheering on their loved ones to participants helping each other over the line, the event gives you the chance to make and develop new friendships based on a common interest.

4. You can raise money for charity

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is the opportunity to help those in need. The women taking part decide for themselves which causes to support, so if there is a charity close to your heart, you'll be able to help out in a practical way. Of course, there is no obligation to raise money for a charity but the sense of reward it would give you is just another reason to sign up!

5. A New Experience

The fear of the unknown has always prevented people from trying new things. For various reasons, questions like "What if it's not for me?" or "What if it's too hard?" have the power to prevent us from reaching our potential. Well, not anymore! Along with all of the other benefits, signing up to run the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon will give you the chance to get out of your comfort zone and take part in the biggest all-female event of its kind in the world. There's no time like the present!

6. Boost your confidence

There's nothing like setting a goal and achieving it to boost your confidence. Completing the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is the culmination of months of work, training and dedication. Once it's finished, you'll have the confidence to believe you can achieve any other goals you may want to set for yourself including career ambitions, other sporting objectives or any other forms of self-improvement. Anything is possible!

7. You'll get rewarded

Upon signing up for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon, current Vhi female members who hold a private health insurance policy will receive a reward of up to €25. All you have to do is submit your confirmation email by using the Vhi Snap&Send claiming system. A little bit of extra cash in your pocket is always welcome!    

8. It's so much fun

We've already gone over the health benefits of running the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon but there's a lot to be said for the experience as well! It's a real festival atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment and bands supporting participants along the route as well as plenty of surprises from Vhi, including the Vhi relaxarena - a chill-out area to enjoy after the event.  

9. You'll even get some new threads

Everyone who participates in the event gets a Vhi Women's Mini Marathon finisher t-shirt to remember the day, as well as a medal (and heaps of happy memories).