Meet Our First Ever Female Race Director - Olwyn Dunne

Olwyn Dunne is the new Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, and is the first female to hold the position in the history of the event.

As the first female Race Director, Olwyn Dunne is very proud to be the first woman to hold the position:  “I’m very honoured to be the first female Race Director in the history of the event.  The Race Directors over the years have done a phenomenal job, but it’s about time there’s a female in the position!  Considering I hadn’t even competed as a runner in any event just 10 years ago, I’m immensely proud of my achievements, and I’m excited to take on this huge responsibility.”

A mum of three teenage sons, Olwyn’s mum passed away at the age of 42, and when Olwyn reached that age, she became aware of her own mortality and started to run.  Her first event was a triathlon, and she discovered that she really loved running.  She then signed up for the Dublin Marathon, and hasn’t looked back since.  In the ten years since she took up running, Olwyn has won many national medals for 10k races and upwards, and at 46 years of age become the national 50k champion.  Just recently, she won bronze in her Age group in the Leinster 10 mile championship.

 Olwyn is passionate about health and fitness and believe that it’s important to make time in your life for ourselves.  “I’m passionate about physical and mental health.  I feel that as women we don’t give ourselves the time for health and fitness.  It’s so important to invest in yourself; we often put other people first, whether it’s our family or work.  The nice thing about running and training for events is that it helps to create space for yourself.  I love being able to help women, whatever their ability.”

 Olwyn is an ambassador for parkrun, as well as being the Event Director of the Cabinteely parkrun.  In her role as ambassador she helps to nurture new events, providing guidance and support.

 Working with the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has been a new challenge for Olwyn. “I was involved in last year’s event as Deputy Race Director, and this is my first year as Race Director.  It’s hugely challenging but very rewarding, particularly on Event Day seeing all of the women crossing the finish line.  I’m immensely proud of the event, and I’m learning new stuff every single day.  It’s brilliant to work on such a well-established event, with a fantastic team around me.”