My name is Niamh and I am delighted to be Cork's Magic Maker for the 2022 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. I am 22 years old and I am in my final year at UCC, where I have spent 4 years studying French and Art History. I spent last year studying abroad at Université Clermont Auvergne in central France which was an experience I will never forget.  

My first time running in the VhiWMM was in 2019, aged 18, in aid of Arthritis Ireland, the same year in which I wrote my piece for My RA Story. It was a gloriously sunny day and the buzz around Dublin City was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I remember clearly setting off from the Arthritis Ireland head office with the rest of the lovely ladies on the team. We shared our individual stories with one another along the way and before we knew it we had the 10km completed! It felt amazing to cross the finish line wearing the bright orange colours of Arthritis Ireland.  

Running has always been challenging as someone living with arthritis but at the same time it has been an outlet in which I have been able to release pain and stiffness which comes with the disease. I am inspired to be involved in the event every year since, and I wish to raise awareness around how arthritis affects so many young people and children in Ireland. I remember how hard it was to explain to my peers that I had arthritis at the start,  so I hope I can be someone who encourages the young generation of today to speak about it and to make it be knonw that it is a lot more common than many think!  

#WomenMakingMagic is this year's theme, celebrating 40 years since Ireland’s first Women’s Mini Marathon, which makes it a truly special event. Since then the event has grown massively, with each year bringing new faces. To me, this is where the magic is made, standing alongside women from all over, each with an individual story to tell. It sparks new friendships, while inspiring new generations of girls who will continue this tradition into the future.  

My advice to anyone taking part in the event this year is to truly live in the moment. Take it all in. Wear your colours proudly and just have fun. Whether you run, walk or jog, the important part is in taking part and be proud in doing so! 

In terms of training, I would say to take it at your own pace. Focus more on how you feel. You may prefer to alternate between running and walking, which I found helpful when I started out first. Getting outside and familiarising yourself with the outdoors is a great start.  

I was surprised at how running alongside so many other women made the run seem short and enjoyable rather than a mini marathon!..