Prayers work for ‘nuns on the run’

PRAYERS paid off for a pair of nuns on the run, part of an 11,000-strong crowd taking part in the 30th Evening Echo Cork Women’s Mini Marathon.

Torrential rain in the morning threatened proceedings, but gave way to dry conditions by the lunchtime start.

George Mullane, 33, from Ballincollig and team mate John Hourihan, 33, from Ovens, cross-dressed as nuns to complete the four-mile journey in support of the Leukaemia Unit at the Mercy University Hospital.

“We had everybody praying the rain would abate; we would have been two wet nuns on the run otherwise,” George said.

Inspired by his wife taking part for the past eight years, he said the atmosphere made it worthwhile.

“It’s been absolutely great craic, we loved it and are ready to sign up again for next year,” he said.

The event has a special resonance for 25-year-old Cork University Hospital nurse Helena Hanbidge, originally from Kerry.

She chose to run in support of the Build 4 Life/ Cystic Fibrosis campaign to raise €1.5 million for a dedicated isolation unit at CUH to serve the population of Munster.

Helena lost a close personal friend to CF three years ago.

“I’m a nurse myself and this campaign is something that’s close to my heart, to have a dedicated unit at CUH would be a major achievement,” she said.

She ran the marathon in 44 minutes and credited organisers and participants for a ‘fantastic atmosphere.’

“It was really hot and muggy so it was hard, but the adrenalin kept me going. What a brilliant atmosphere, there were loads of guys dressed up, everything went well and there was a great turnout,” she said.

Now in its 30th year, the event has grown from 300 participants in 1981 to 11,000 in 2011.

“That’s a major achievement — this is our biggest event to date,” spokesperson Ray Lougheed said.

Lizzie Lee of Leevale Athletic Club won the race in 21.57, with runner-up Claire McCarthy of St Finbarr’s just seconds behind her with a time of 22.04.

Orla Drumm from UCC arrived shortly after to take third place.

“It stayed dry and spirits were high, so we are delighted today and looking forward to next year,” Mr Lougheed said.