Mullingar Half Marathon raises €35,000 for charity

This year a cheque for €35,000 was paid over to the chosen charity TEAM (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Midlands), following another very successful Mullingar Half Marathon.

Details were revealed at the launch of the 2026 event in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar on Thursday evening. The annual St Patrick’s Day event, now in its 12th year, is a charity, non profit gathering that raises vital funds for charities.

Speaking at the launch, Pat Keating welcomed fellow committee members and supporters, including members of the Civil Defence and gardaí. He acknowledged the support of the main sponsors: AON, ORS Hydration, Colton Ford, Westmeath County Council and the Annebrooke House Hotel.

“The marathon is run by a voluntary committee and is greatly assisted by Westmeath County Council through Civil Defence, Transportation and Municipal District; An Garda Síochána, the HSE, local clubs and organisations; Fencescape; Colas, and volunteers and stewards,” he said.

The Mullingar half marathon has become one of the most popular races on the calendar and over 2,000 participants are expected in the town next March.

“As a volunteer group, we believe in the universal power of running and our flat course caters to individuals from novice runners to elite athletes; it is ideal for both first-time half marathoners and those aiming for a personal best. The course starts in the town centre and unfolds through urban and rural areas before joining the Royal Canal and concluding at Mullingar Town Park,” he explained.

“This will be the 12th running of this Nationally popular race and up to 2500 runners are expected to take part next St Patrick's Day at 10am.”

There will be a t-shirt and medal for all who take part. More information can be found on the mullingarhalfmarathon.com website and race registration went live on Friday November 21.

Mr Keating explained the idea behind first organising the event back in 2013.

“The Mullingar Half Marathon Committee committee was formed to encourage community engagement,promote Mullingar, raise money for charity and encourage healthy activities,” he said. “The Committee engages with Mullingar Chamber of Commerce to support these aims.”

Fundraising for a very worthy charity such as TEAM, which helps with the scourge of homelessness, has been well received.

“We are proud to raise funds for TEAM over the past number of years and we will continue to do so this year. TEAM was founded by a group of people from Mullingar who had the vision to identify the need for a space where homeless women and children could feel safe and secure,” he explained.

“Initially, TEAM catered for homeless women and children from the Mullingar area, but over the years the services have expanded to cater to the Midland counties of Laois,

Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.”

The sport of running has grown in popularity and organisers are delighted that the Mullingar Harriers club, very successful in the town, has many members who participate each year.

“This is a fun active healthy way to kick start St Patrick's day and we hope to see many runners, volunteers and spectators on the day,” added Mr Keating.

The half marathon committee is: Pat Keating, Terry Toal, Martin Marshall, Padraig Murtagh, Mary Hughes, Roger Nicholson, Grace Kelly, Linda McGee, Mary Kelly, Majella Mohan, Robert Troy, Declan Leonard, Bertie Dunne and Sean Kennedy.