Leapmotor Ireland take to the streets with VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

Leapmotor Ireland has announced the launch of its new ‘Take The Leap Champion’ 
initiative, celebrating the inspiring stories behind the 2026 VHI Women’s Mini 
Marathon. This marks Leapmotor’s inaugural year as Official Motor Sponsor of this 
national event. 
 
Now in its 44th year, the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 
31st, 2026. 
 
The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon continues to empower women of all fitness levels 
to participate, supporting causes close to their hearts while celebrating strength, 
community, and purpose. 
Running from March to May 2026, the initiative invites the people of Ireland to 
nominate women taking part in this year’s event whose deeply personal ‘what drives 
me’ stories reflect the incredible resilience, courage and emotional transformation 
that define both the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and Leapmotor’s ‘Take the 
Leap’ ethos. 
 
Each month, from March through May, one outstanding nominee will be named 
a ‘Take The Leap Champion’. Monthly champions will receive a Leapmotor goodie 
bag, VIP access to the 2026 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, and an on-the-day 
interview with a well-known friend of Leapmotor, before the event begins on May 
31st. 
 
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 for 
six months, through to the end of 2026. 
 
Mark Brennan, Marketing Manager of Leapmotor Ireland, commenting on their 
involvement, said, “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. Through our ‘Take The 
Leap Champion’ 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.” 
 
David O’Leary, Race Director of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, added: “Our 
participants care deeply about community and making choices that reflect their 
values. The ‘Take The Leap Champion’ initiative is a fantastic way to recognise those 
stories, and we’re delighted to see our partners, Leapmotor, bring this to life in the 
lead up to race day.” 
 
Nominations for the ‘Take The Leap Champion’ initiative can be submitted via the 
dedicated link below, hosted by Leapmotor Ireland. The campaign will be promoted 
across Leapmotor Ireland and VHI Women’s Mini Marathon digital channels in the 
months ahead. 
 
Submission link: 
https://form.jotform.com/leapmotorireland/take-the-leap-champion-nomination 

 
As Official Motor Sponsor, Leapmotor Ireland will provide a fleet from its all-electric 
range, including the recently launched family SUV Leapmotor C10, the compact T03 
city car, and the brand-new Leapmotor 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 iconic Dublin route, at the heart of one of Ireland’s most 
beloved sporting events.