A small group from the 1983 group decided to raise funds for the Loreto Project in Rumbek by doing the Mini Marathon. Sr. Anne Mary, who had been teaching Art in The Green in our day, is currently working in the newly set-up school in Rumbek, and so that struck a chord with us. While the participating group was small, we got plenty of support from our classmates.

To be honest, I had decided from an early stage that I wasn’t setting out to break any records in completing the course, so my training in advance was minimal to say the least. Some of the others in the group had higher ambitions though. On the day, I just made sure that I had the proper footwear, and packed sun protection and plenty of water.

We arranged to meet on the morning for a photo at the school door. Then while the more serious athletes in our party (Jane & Alice) headed to secure places closer to the front of the pack, Siobhán and I headed for breakfast.

There was a great buzz in the city, and the streets were awash with colour as thousands of women gathered, all wearing the t-shirts of their chosen charities.

Eventually we headed to take our place in the crowd and wait for the ‘off’.

The atmosphere was great, plenty of fun and laughter, and many familiar faces in the crowd. There was actually something very moving about the whole thing – women of all ages, from all parts of the country, each with their own reason for being there.

The route was lined with well-wishers, mainly men and children (the women of the country had taken to the streets!), and the banter from the crowd kept us going. The watering from garden hoses along the way was very welcome in the strong sunshine. Thank you, in particular to the firefighters in Donnybrook, who were most effective in this regard! Wittiest comment of the day has to go to the gentleman on UCD bridge whose placard, somewhat bravely, read “What’s for tea?”

I can’t quite remember how long it took to complete the course, but it was a really enjoyable experience, and one I look forward to repeating this year. In total we raised €1000 for Rumbek.

Many thanks to Siobhán Collins, Jane Mitchell, Alice Quinn and Julie Mc Givern who took part in the mini marathon, and for all of the Green Past Pupils who sponsored us.

This year we The GPPA hope to raise money for Loreto Charities, in conjunction with the Loreto Union.

If you’d like to get involved, by either joining The Green Past Pupils, or by making a donation, please contact (details to follow)