Charities were the big winners as thousands of women raised tens of thousands of euro by taking part yesterday in the annual Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon through Cork City.

Thousands of runners turned out in the Cork sunshine for the Evening Echo mini marathon.

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Around 8,500 runners pounded the streets around Cork City yesterday for the Evening Echo Mini Marathon, with more smiles than grimaces in evidence as they poured across the finishing line.

Ireland’s most celebrated athlete, Sonia O’Sullivan, has announced her intention to be a more active “leading light” for Irish athletes and give back to the sport she loves by setting up her own group to develop athletes to deliver on the world stage.