Women’s Mini Marathon Organisers Release Statement Following Goodie Bag Uproar

Megan Cassidy

UPDATE: A spokesperson for the marathon has released a statement regarding the goodie bags:

“The race organisers of Women’s Mini Marathon are happy to provide a Race Bag to all participants every year.

“This is one of the most popular parts of the event every year, and we strive to give all participants a selection of free, quality products.

“These range from food and drink items to household and lifestyle items. Our sponsors have no input into the contents of the race bag.

“We understand that some participants were unhappy with the inclusion of dishwasher tablet and laundry detergent samples in the race bag, equally we have received positive feedback from the majority of the 30,000 women who took part in the event.

“We have included similar items in previous years, which have been well received, but understand the concerns raised by some women given the context.

“We welcome feedback from all of our participants, and will continue to listen and take on board the feedback which we receive each year. “

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9:20am: Over 30,000 women took part in the Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin city yesterday, with each runner championing a cause close to their hearts.

While the atmosphere was one of solidarity and achievement, there was nonetheless some disappointment at the finish line.

The VHI goodie bags, handed out to each woman who had completed the run, contained dishwasher tablets and washing powder… a move that many participants deemed ‘sexist’ and a let down.

Fiona Kenny took to Twitter to share the contents of her goodie bag, writing:

‘Women’s mini marathon goodie bag had a dishwasher table and some washing powder in it, which I think I’ll feck at the next person who says “Well done, geeeerls”.#VHIWMM‘

Women’s mini marathon goodie bag had a dishwasher table and some washing powder in it, which I think I’ll feck at the next person who says “Well done, geeeerls”.#VHIWMM

— Fiona Kenny (@FionaKenny1) June 3, 2018

Many others chimed in, echoing Fiona’s sentiment.

Thanks so much @vhi for the dishwasher tablets and washing powder in the women’s mini marathon goodie bag #Feminism pic.twitter.com/Ib7T4d98uO

— Maeve Whelan (@maevewhelan) June 3, 2018

30,000 women at the VHI mini marathon for a good cause and leave with a goodie bag of sexist washing pods – not impressed

— Amy McMahon (@amymcmahonsays) June 3, 2018

So lads as well some chocolate and rice in the goodie bag today at the women’s mini marathon I was lucky enough to receive a DISHWASHING TABLET and some PERSIL. ????#feelingblessed #VHIMiniMarathon pic.twitter.com/EA6n86LLgW

— Hannah Hillyer (@Hannah_Crumpets) June 3, 2018

However, some tweeters have noted that these items weren’t unique to the women’s mini marathon goodie bag. One user who goes by the handle @healthybalanceB wrote:

My housemate runs all the time. I said this to her and she said she’s had it in other goodie bags, doesn’t think it’s specific to the mini marathon’

My housemate runs all the time. I said this to her and she said she’s had it in other goodie bags, doesn’t think it’s specific to the mini marathon

— Pursuit of balance (@HealthyBalance8) June 3, 2018

Lovin Dublin has reached out to VHI for comment.