It’s Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon time again! Actually it’s 20 days away but that’s a reasonable amount of time in which to train for Munster’s best-known four-mile road race. The web page even offers a training programme, but don’t push yourself too hard if you don’t feel up to actual racing. It’s not just for regular runners or, as the organisers say: “The Mini Marathon is suitable for everyone, with women choosing to run, jog or walk depending on their fitness level.”

And it’s fun: more than 10,000 women took part last year, ranging from regular runners to people just out to enjoy the walk with friends. But the good news, for Friends of Londiani and many other worthy causes, is that many runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities did the Echo event for charity as well as for fitness or enjoyment. In fact to date hundreds of thousands of euros have been raised – some of it, we’re delighted to say, for Friends of Londiani.
Of course a women’s event has special significance for us as much of our focus is on the well-being – economic as well as health-related – of women in Londiani. So giving us some exposure at a high-profile women’s event would be an ideal way to raise awareness of the problems many Kenyan women face – and the solutions we are already putting into effect. A few euros in sponsorship would be great too!

So if the idea appeals, do register for the mini marathon – and if you intend to fundraise for us please let us know. We’d be delighted to support you with a t-shirt and sponsorship card. Just go to the online registration page and add our name (under ‘type in charity’) in the registration form.

And then book yourself a late lunch on the 28th (the race starts at one o’clock) to relax and discuss the finer points of the route and tactics or just the weather and the view. And, we hope, to pat yourself on the back, not just for supporting and encouraging health and fitness for Irish women but for helping women on another continent to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.