Run. Walk. Jog. Fundraise. Make a real difference.
Join hundreds of thousands of women taking part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon – and do it as part of Team COPE Galway.
We have 20 exclusive charity places available for women who want to take on the challenge and raise vital funds to support people across Galway experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and isolation in older age.
This is more than a race, it’s a fundraising challenge that will directly support people in our community who need it most.
Location: Dublin City
Registration fee: €37 non-refundable
Minimum fundraising target: €250
Optional return bus from Galway: €20-€30
Be part of something bigger. Run for COPE Galway. Make every step count.
1) How do I secure my place with Team COPE Galway?
To secure your place, simply pay the €37 Team COPE Galway charity place fee through our registration form.
This secures your place on the team, but your official Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon race code will only be released once you raise or self-donate €100 through your fundraising page.
2) When will I receive my race code?
Your official race code will be sent once your fundraising page reaches €100 raised or donated.
This can be made up of:
- sponsorship from friends and family
- your own donation
- a mix of both
Once you receive your code, you must complete your official race registration on the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon website before their deadline. Official race deadlines and pack details can be found here: Vhi WMM FAQs
3) How much do I need to fundraise?
Each Team COPE Galway participant commits to raising a minimum of €250.
To make this flexible, you can choose your own route:
- Start fundraising from €10
- Self-donate €100 and only €150 remains
- Donate €200 and no further fundraising is required
We’ll support you every step of the way with tips and fundraising ideas.
4) What happens if I can’t reach the €250 target?
The key milestone is reaching €100 by Friday 24 April 2026, as this unlocks your official race code.
If you’re worried about hitting your target, please reach out early. We can help with fundraising tips and support to help you get there.
5) Is there a Team COPE Galway bus from Galway to Dublin?
Yes, we hope to run a Galway to Dublin return bus on race day, subject to numbers.
The bus will:
- depart from Calbro House, Tuam Road, Galway
- return to the same location after the event
- be direct with no pick-ups or drop-offs
- cost approximately €20 return
Once numbers are confirmed, we’ll contact everyone who selected the bus option with payment details and travel times.
6) Can I walk instead of run?
Absolutely.
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is for walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels, and many Team COPE Galway participants take part as walkers.
The goal is simply to get to the start line and enjoy the day.
7) Is there a training plan I can follow?
Yes, the official Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon team has excellent beginner-friendly training resources, including walking, jogging, and running plans.
You can access them here: Official WMM Training Plans
These are ideal whether this is your first 10K or your fifteenth.
8) Where does the race start and finish?
The official 10K race:
- starts at Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
- finishes on Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- starts at 12:30pm (Vhi Womens Mini Marathon)
Wave guidance and race pack collection details will be shared by the official organisers closer to race day.
9) What do I receive as part of Team COPE Galway?
As part of Team COPE Galway, you’ll receive:
- your official charity race place
- fundraising support from our team
- a COPE Galway team t-shirt
- optional Galway bus access
- the chance to make a real difference for people across Galway
Official race pack information from WMM is available here: Official Race Pack Info
10) Who do I contact if I need help?
We’re here to help with:
- fundraising tips
- registration issues
- bus queries
- race code questions
- anything else
Just email fundraising@copegalway.ie and the team will help.
