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A Movement of Hope – 100+ Women Unite for IKA in VHI Marathon
More than 100 women from 22 counties proudly represented the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, May 31st. This came just one week after Organ Donor Awareness Week which is organised by the IKA.
Join Team IKA
The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon is an annual event that usually takes place on the June Bank Holiday weekend in Dublin city covering a distance of 10km.
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Dublin City Centre
Why Join Team IKA in 2027?
By choosing to run for the Irish Kidney Association, you’re making a real difference to people living with kidney disease.
Your fundraising helps to provide vital patient support services, holiday breaks, counselling, advocacy, and public awareness about organ donation and kidney health.
Meet our Mini Marathon Runners
Our Mini Marathon runners are women with big hearts and powerful stories. Many are kidney patients themselves, have a transplant, or are running in honour or in memory of someone they love.
Story shared by: Danielle C.
Our little boy’s kidney journey
Danielle’s little boy was born with only one kidney, and it isn’t the right shape or size, so it doesn’t work as it should. Her family has faced heartbreaking news and an uncertain future, but also moments of huge relief and hope thanks to the care and support they’ve received. The money Danielle raises will support vital kidney services and facilities – a lifeline for people needing treatment, and something her own family may need in the future.
Story shared by: Michelle M.
My Husband’s Transplant Gave us our Life Back
Michelle’s husband Mark was born with polycystic kidney disease. Over the last 5 years they have been on a journey of peritoneal and haemodialysis, and a major nephrectomy, all while raising their young sons, Noah and Ollie. In 2025, Michelle opened her home salon and, soon after, Mark received a life‑changing kidney transplant in Beaumont Hospital. Grateful for Tallaght Hospital’s care and their donor family’s selfless gift, Michelle wants to honour organ donation and offer hope to others.
Story shared by: Michelle M.
Running for Yan
Cecile’s partner Yan was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (Berger disease) in 2022. After biopsies, peritoneal surgery and starting peritoneal dialysis, they now wait for the life‑changing call for a kidney transplant. Unable to be a donor herself, Cecile is running the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon to support the IKA’s vital work.