'Honoured': Olwyn Dunne started running 10 years ago when she became aware of her own mortality
Olwyn Dunne's mum sadly passed away at the age of 42, and when Olwyn reached that age she became very aware of her own mortality.
A mum to three teenage sons, she decided to start running and very quickly developed a love for it.
Her first event was a triathlon, then the Dublin Marathon, and she 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, the mum-of-three won bronze in her age group in the Leinster 10 mile championship.
Olwyn is passionate about health and fitness and believes that it’s important to make time in your life for yourself.
"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."
10 years after going on her first run, Olwyn has taken on a new challenge: Race Director of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.
A rewarding and no doubt challenging role, Olwyn is also the first female to hold the position in the history of the event, something she is incredibly proud of.
The #VHIWMM team will be heading to Porterstown parkrun this Saturday 14th to join Ailbhe and @DoireannGarrihy for the Vhi #RuntogetherDay and we want you to join us! There's 7 weeks until race day and @parkrunIE can help anyone looking for a qualifying time. Register, print & go pic.twitter.com/aRHfamgKUL
— VhiWMM (@VhiWMM) April 12, 2018
"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."
Now in its 36th year, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon will be moving back to Sunday this year and will take place on June 3rd at 2pm.
Over 35,000 women are expected to walk, jog and run the 10K route starting in Fitzwilliam Square and finishing on Baggot St.
Women can still enter this year’s event at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.i