37,000 to run for charity in Women's Mini-Marathon

More than 37,000 runners are set to take to the roads of Dublin on Monday for the annual Women's Mini-Marathon. Heading the field this year will be Ireland's two middle-distance superstars, Sonia O'Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan.

But while Ireland's two first ladies of sport will go head to head for victory around the streets of the capital, the biggest winners look certain to be the hundreds of charities around the State who will share the estimated €5 million raised by runners through sponsorship.

This year's race will again be staged around a 10km loop in and around the city-centre.

The start-line is once again at Fitzwilliam Square. The starter's gun will get the event under way at 3 p.m.

The runners will then make their way up Shelbourne Road, go through Ballsbridge and on to Merrion Road and up Nutley Lane.

The journey back into the city-centre is via the Stillorgan road, Donnybrook and Leeson Street, with the finishing line at St Stephen's Green.

Adding to the carnival atmosphere on the day will be 14 pop bands, two marching bands, dancers and DJs who will provide entertainment along the route.

Since the inaugural race in 1983, nearly 400,000 women have entered the event, raising an estimated €60 million for various charities.

The number participating has grown from 9,000 20 years ago to more than 37,000 this year.

Following her third place in the Great Manchester 10km last year, Sonia O'Sullivan goes into Sunday's event the firm favourite.

Catherina McKiernan, who has won the event three times, is likely to be Sonia's closest challenger. She won the Dublin five-mile classic last week but is probably not at her best after having just recovered from a long-term injury.