Ezine Information sent to Participants

Few important things to note:

If this is the first time you are participating in the Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon then you are most welcome on board.
Well done on signing up for one of the ‘West of Irelands’ premier events.

If you have participated in the previous mini marathons then you are most welcome back.

Over the next few weeks we will be keeping you up to date on what you need to know about the mini marathon and make sure the day goes very smoothly for you.
 

• Date, Day and time of the mini marathon is Sunday May 6th at 12 noon starting and finishing at the Mall, Castlebar.

• The Mini Marathon Route is the same as last year and is displayed on www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com

• Each participant must wear a number (bib number) which must be attached to the front of their T-Shirt. If a participant does not display their number they will not be allowed participate and will be asked to leave the event. This can happen anytime from start to finish.

• Each participant will be timed. This year we have a very lightweight timing device which is worn around the wrist.( similar to a hospital band)

• The number and the timing device can be collected at An Sportlann, Castlebar on Friday May 4th from 12 noon to 6pm and again Saturday May 5th from 12 noon to 6pm. Please bring your online receipt with you for identification.

• Your name in alphabetical order and time will appear in Tuesday May 8ths edition of the Western People.

• If you haven’t participated in an event of this distance before and have yet to do a bit of training then don’t panic there is help on the website under race preparation www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com and on each week’s edition of the Western People. So whether you plan to walk, jog or run there are lots of good helpful hints to be found. Walkers checkout the ‘FitWalk’ advice on the website and paper and see how to get more out of your walks.

• Do encourage your friends to participate; we would love to see them there. You may ask them to come along with during the weeks on your walk or jog for company.

• Remember to participate in the mini marathon you do not have to participate for a charity or raise money for a charity; you may just want to participate as an individual which is absolutely fine.

• If you are participating for a charity or plan to participate for a charity, contact the charity directly. We the organisers don’t supply any sponsorship cards or permits etc.

• Participants will wear coloured bib numbers this year. The colour will depend on whether you are planning to walk, jog or run. This way each group will be sectioned off and runners will be at the very front.

• The mini marathon route is the exact same route as last year and will be on the website over the next few days.

• If men are taking part for their various charities etc. we would ask them to take part in the ‘spirit of the event’ by getting dressed up etc. We also will not allow men to finish in the top 20 women. These men will be asked to step aside during the event if this is the situation until the 20th woman is home.

• All participants whatever their attire MUST wear the race number (bib number) on their front. The number must be clearly visible to race officials otherwise the person will be asked to step aside before or during the event. Under no circumstances can anyone participate without a race number and no excuses will be accepted.

• Race Numbers and timing bands will be given out to all participants on Friday May 4th and Saturday May 5th from 12-6pm at An Sportlann, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. This building is adjacent to McHale Park football pitch. No Numbers or timing bands will be given out on the day of the event.

• Keep an eye on the website www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com for updates and in each weeks Western People. For training schedules and useful information.

• It is important to plan to be in Castlebar early on May 6th so that you get parking and are relaxed before the event.

• There will be lots of portaloos at the start and also some along the route.

• There will be road closures in place especially for the mini marathon however if emergency services are called for any reason within the town or for participants in the event they may have to travel on the mini marathon route. Please make sure to allow the emergency services through and ask others to do likewise.

• There is very good prize money and prize structure for the event and the first 6 women home will be awarded prize money.

There will be 6 other category prizes for
The first woman over 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and in the Special Needs Category.

For Further information or query that you may have contact Anne Ronayne, Mayo Sports Partnership on msp@mayococo.ie or 0949047025.