Local athlete wins Evening Echo Mini Marathon which sees thousands run around the streets of Cork

Emma, who is involved in St Finbarrs Athletics Club, ran the race in a time of 22 minutes and three seconds.

Thousands of people took part in the Evening Echo Mini Marathon today.

While a number of serious athletes are taking part in the race, which kicked off at 1pm, the vast majority are raising much-needed funds for a variety of charitable causes.

Valerie Chute and 14 of her friends are running today for her husband Richard.

The 26-year-old naval officer, who has three young children, has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

Glanmire resident Valerie said is was delighted to take part in today's race and hopes to do her husband, and their three young children, proud.

Meanwhile, a number of people are running for Breakthrough Cancer Research.

Youghal woman Mary O'Callaghan is running in memory of her mother who died of lung cancer.

This is Mary's tenth time taking part in the Evening Echo Mini Marathon.

Clashmore native Evelyn O'Brien is doing the race for the first time, also for Breakthrough Cancer Research, in memory of her dad who died from liver cancer.