On Sunday June 1st, 2025, we tragically lost our beautiful friend Ellen Cassidy at the Cork City Marathon an event that meant so much to her.

Ellen absolutely loved running but more than that she loved the people she ran & trained with. It was never just about the distance for Ellen it was about taking part, the fun, the laughter, the encouragement and being surrounded by the people she cared about most.

This year, on May 31st, 2026, something incredibly special is happening, over 222 of her family, friends, work colleagues and fellow runners are coming together to run in the Cork City Full Marathon, Half and 10K all in Ellen’s honour. Many of us have never run a marathon before but that doesn’t matter…. We are doing this together for Ellen.

We’re running for her spirit, her kindness, her energy and the way she brought people together so effortlessly. We’re running because she would have been right there with us, motivating each one of us and smiling the whole way.

We would also love to see as many people as possible wearing yellow on the day, as a simple but powerful way to show your support and stand with us in remembering Ellen.

This fundraiser is our way of keeping Ellen’s legacy alive. All donations will be given to charities and worthy causes that were close to Ellen’s heart such as CRY Ireland, Down Syndrome Cork - Field of Dreams, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta House, St. John’s Ambulance, Focus Ireland and Marymount Hospice to name but a few.

Every donation no matter how big or small means so much not just in what it contributes but in helping us celebrate the incredible person Ellen Cassidy was.

Thank you for supporting and remembering Ellen and being part of something that means so much to us all.

The Ellen Cassidy Foundation

#theellencassidyeffect

WWECD

(What Would Ellen Cassidy Do)