Mary Kelly, Grace Kelly, Terry Toal, Roger Nicholson, Brian Gillen, Peter Brady, Mary Hughes, Pat Keating, Majella Mohan, Martin Marshall, Linda Magee, Deputy Robert Troy and Declan Leonard at the Annebrook House Hotel for 2025 half marathon launch.

Almost 2000 runners expected in Mullingar for 2025 half marathon

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The 2025 edition of the Mullingar Half Marathon will be the 11th one, when it takes place on its now firmly established date, St Patrick’s Day – which is on a Monday next year.

Speaking at the launch of the event in the Annebrook House Hotel last Thursday evening, the committee chairperson welcomed guests and sponsors, including local elected representatives, as well as fellow organisers.

“In particular I welcome and thank our main sponsors, AON, whose CEO is with us tonight, ORS Hydration, Colton Ford, Westmeath County Council, and the Annebrook House Hotel,” said Pat Keating.

“This will be the 11th running of what is now a nationally popular race and up to 1800 runners are expected to take part next St Patrick’s Day at 10am.”

Explaining that the Half Marathon is a charity, non-profit event, Mr Keating said this year a cheque for €30,000 was paid over to TEAM.

“It is run by a voluntary committee and is greatly assisted by Westmeath County Council through the Civil Defence, the transportation, and Municipal District departments, and An Garda Síochána, the HSE, local clubs and organisations and volunteers and stewards.

“We are proud to have raised funds for TEAM (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Midlands) over a number of years and we will continue to do so next year.”

TEAM was founded by a group of people from Mullingar who saw the need for a space where homeless women and children could feel safe and secure. Initially, TEAM catered for the Mullingar area, but over the years, services have expanded to cater to the midland counties of Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois.

Mr Keating continued: “As a volunteer group, we believe in the universal power of running, catering to individuals from novice runners to elite athletes. Our flat course, ideal for both first-time half marathoners and those aiming for personal bests, is from the town centre and along the Royal Canal, concluding at Mullingar Town Park.”

The committee was formed to: encourage community engagement; promote Mullingar; raise money for charity; and encourage healthy activities; and the committee engages with Mullingar Chamber of Commerce to support those aims.

“The half marathon is a fun, active, healthy way to kick-start St Patrick’s Day and we hope to see many runners, volunteers and spectators on the day. On finishing, runners will receive specially designed T-shirts and medals.”

• Registration is now open at mullingarhalfmarathon.com.

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