Leapmotor Ireland’s new ‘Take The Leap’ initiative, celebrating inspiring stories behind the 2026 Chi Women’s Mini Marathon, marks Leapmotor’s inaugural year as Official Motor Sponsor of the much-loved national event, writes Trish Whelan.
The 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, now in its 44th year, takes place on Sunday, 31 May.
Running from March to May 2026, the initiative invites people to nominate women taking part in this year’s event whose personal ‘what drives me’ stories reflect the resilience, courage and emotional transformation that define both the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon and Leapmotor’s ‘Take The Leap’ ethos.
On race day, one of the three monthly winners will be crowned the overall ‘Take The Leap Champion’, receiving the use of a brand-new 262-registration Leapmotor vehicle for six months.
“The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has always been defined by the emotion behind every step - from those running in memory of loved ones, to those doing it for someone who can’t be there on the day,” said Mark Brennan, Marketing Manager of Leapmotor Ireland. “Through this initiative, we want to shine a light on those special ‘what drives me’ stories that are so synonymous with the Mini Marathon, and celebrate the ordinary women who do extraordinary things year after year.”
The event’s Race Director, Dave O’Leary, said the ‘Take The Leap Champion’ initiative ‘is a fantastic way to recognise those stores’.
Leapmotor Ireland will provide a fleet from its all-electric range, including the C10 family SUV, the compact T03 city car, and the new B10 SUV, to serve as official support vehicles throughout the event. The fleet will also include the lead car, guiding thousands of participants along the route.
Submissions can be made to https://form.jotform.com/leapmotorireland/take-the-leap-champion-nomination.
