Marathon smashes fundraising record

This year’s Cork City Marathon has officially run rings around its previous fundraising record while almost doubling last year’s tally.

More than €307k was donated this year by more than 9,400 supporters as they rallied behind friends, family, and colleagues for the event on 1 June, hugely surpassing last year's total of €170k.

More than 11,000 runners took to the streets of Cork for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K events this year, raising money for charities across cancer research, mental health, paediatric care, disability services, hospice care, and suicide prevention.

Organisers described the 2025 event as a powerful show of generosity that will benefit dozens of causes across health, wellbeing, and community support sectors.

Among the top beneficiaries were Breakthrough Cancer Research, Marymount University Hospice, Pieta, and the Irish Cancer Society, each receiving five-figure sums.

Cork-based charities featured strongly, with substantial funds raised for Cork ARC Cancer Support House, The Mercy Hospital Foundation, CUH Charity, The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, and Iris House Cork Cancer Support.

Other well-supported Cork causes included Enable Ireland, Cork Mental Health Foundation, Cork Simon Community, and Sanctuary Runners, who brought vibrant local representation to the race.

Nationally, much-needed support went to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Epilepsy Ireland, Diabetes Ireland, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Mental Health Ireland, along with services like BUMBLEance, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Race Director Eamon Hayes praised the community spirit behind the figures.

He said: “Every year, we are humbled by the kindness and determination shown by our runners and their supporters, and 2025 has been our most impactful yet.

“Whether running in memory of a loved one, in solidarity with a cause, or to give back to a service that’s helped them, these fundraising efforts are at the heart of what makes the Cork City Marathon so special.”

He continued: “It’s not just a race – It’s a platform for hope, solidarity, and genuine impact in our own communities” added Mr Hayes.

While donation continue to pour in, the figures already confirm 2025 as a record-breaking year for the marathon and its campaign #YourRaceTheirHope.