Limerick Twins Sorcha and Íde Nic Dhomhnaill take podium spots at 2026 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

The 2026 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon was won by Chaltu Dida from DSD A.C. in a time of 31:41, making Dida the first Ethiopian woman to win the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. Third place Ide Nic Dhomhnaill, winner Chaltu Dida, and second place Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill on the podium during the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Newcastle West twins Sorcha and Íde Nic Dhomhnaill claim second and third place in the 2026 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

Limerick twins, Sorcha and Íde Nic Dhomhnaill, took podium spots, finishing in second and third place out of a record-breaking more than 30,000 participants in the 44th VHI Women’s Mini Marathon.

The Newcastle West natives put in an incredible performance, with Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill from Limerick Country Club A.C. coming in second place with a time of 32:44, followed by her twin sister Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick A.C. clocking in a time of 33:58.

Speaking with Athletics Ireland following the event, Sorcha said, “It was amazing. It’s pretty much lined the whole way to the finish, and the support was just amazing. People are screaming the entire way, so it just gives you that lift.”

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The 44th Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon saw all 30,000 places snapped up within 48 hours, the fastest sell-out in the event’s history. Now in its 44th year, the event continues to attract participants from across Ireland and beyond, and remains one of the largest all-female events of its kind in the world.

This year’s theme, ‘Best Time Ever’, encouraged participants to define their own experience- whether aiming for a personal best, walking with friends, fundraising, or completing a personal challenge.

Participants ranged in age from 14 – 92, reflecting the wide appeal of the event. Organisers have also noted increased participation among younger women in recent years, linked to the growth of community and social running groups.

David O’Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, said the 2026 edition of the event was “absolutely extraordinary”, commenting that seeing 30,000 women run and walk the streets of Dublin “is something truly special”.

He said, “The ‘Best Time Ever’ theme captured it perfectly – for so many of our participants, today was about so much more than the race itself. Congratulations to every single woman who took part, and a sincere thank you to our brilliant volunteers, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, our sponsors, and of course our title sponsors Vhi – we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with them for a further five years.”