2012 Tipperary Women's Mini Marathon in Thurles launched by Minister Michael Ring TD

North Tipperary Sports Partnership and South Tipperary Sports Partnership are delighted to announce that the Tipperary Women's Mini Marathon returns to Thurles on Sunday 30th September at 11am. Now in its third year this 10k Mini Marathon has grown from strength to strength since the inaugural event in Thurles in 2010.

Minister Michael Ring TD recently launched the 2012 event for Thurles, with members of North Tipperary Sports Partnership, South Tipperary Sports Partnership and John Treacy CEO, Irish Sports Council. Minister Ring commented that he was delighted to be associated with the event, which was a wonderful example of the work of the Sports Partnerships making sport accessible to all and encouraging participation in sport by all.

Elaine Cullinan, Co-ordinator, North Tipperary Sports Partnership commented 'As always this event is open to runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities and mobility. 2012 is a special year for Thurles as it is the first town in Ireland to be designated a 'European Town of Sport' so why not take the opportunity to get involved by taking part in the 2012 Tipperary Women's Mini Marathon. We have worked closely with Thurles Gardai in devising a new route around Thurles, which is very fair and very flat, and showcases the town as much as possible, while cutting out the hills from 2010!!

Registration this year is both online and postal (details below) and this year we will also be making a charitable donation of €200 to the largest group to register, towards a charity of your choice. Check out www.tippminimarathon.ie for details of your local Meet and Train group, where you can train for this event with others in a fun and supportive environment'.

Valerie Connolly, Co-ordinator, South Tipperary Sports Partnership commented ' It is wonderful to be part of this Women in Sport initiative in Tipperary as it provides a great opportunity for women of all ages to get active and take part in a women's only mini marathon. All finishers will receive a specially designed race medallion and goody bag. Spot prizes will also be distributed on the day. The event also provides a great opportunity for participants to raise funds for their own local charities. Last year's winner Catherina McKiernan will also be joining us in Thurles on the day to show her support for the event which will be fantastic. We hope that this year's event will build on the success of the previous years'.

All participants will be chip timed so whether running or walking the 10k you will get an accurate time and the event as always is AAI measured and certified.

The 2012 Tipperary Mini Marathon is funded through the Irish Sports Council Women In Sport Programme, and the 2012 committee comprises North Tipperary Sports Partnership, South Tipperary Sports Partnership, Tipperary Athletics County Board, LIT Tipperary, Thurles Crokes AC, Thurles Town Council, North Tipperary County Council, Thurles Gardai, North Tipperary Civil Defence and Tipp FM.

The event has also been supported this year by Tom Harvey Motor Co.Ltd Thurles, and the Thurles European Town of Sport.

Tom Harvey Motor Co. Ltd are sponsoring the water and refreshment requirements for the 2012 event, as well as providing the Lead Car. We are delighted to have them on board' commented Elaine Cullinan, North Tipperary Sports Partnership.

Registration is online at (www.tippminimarathon.ie) and this year we will also be accepting postal entries, details of which are on the above website. Closing date for all entries is strictly Monday 24th September, 2012.

For further information please contact Elaine/Sharon at North Tipperary Sports Partnership, 067-43604, www.ntsp.ie or Valerie at South Tipperary Sports Partnership, 062-64737, www.stsp.ie