More than 200 loved ones will honour Ellen Cassidy at the Cork City Marathon
It’s a beautiful tribute to an adored daughter, sister, partner and friend.
More than 200 family members and friends of the late Ellen Cassidy, who tragically passed away after the 2025 Half Marathon, will come together to run and walk this year’s Half Marathon and 10K events to celebrate Ellen’s life and the joy she brought to sport and to Cork.
The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon will honour the memory of the 24-year-old runner with a series of tributes created in collaboration with her family to ensure her spirit remains part of the race she loved so deeply.
Tens of thousands of participants and supporters are expected in Cork on Sunday, May 31st, and organisers are calling on the public to turn the city yellow in Ellen’s honour – her favourite colour.
View this post on Instagram
Runners, walkers, volunteers, spectators and supporters are encouraged to wear yellow, hold up yellow banners and line the streets in a vibrant show of love and solidarity for everyone taking part in Ellen’s memory.
In the months since Ellen’s passing, Cork City Council have worked closely with the Cassidy family on a series of thoughtful and respectful tributes for this year’s event.
‘The support means more than words can express’
Among the tributes, Ellen’s name will feature inside a yellow heart on all 2026 finisher medals. The Ellen Cassidy Perpetual Cups will be awarded for the Half Marathon, while an inaugural Ellen Cassidy Spirit of Running Award has also been established.
There will be a yellow balloon release ahead of the Half Marathon start, and a yellow memorial bench will be installed along the Marina Promenade in Cork City.
Ellen’s parents, Tom and Violet Cassidy from Carhoo, Old Mallow Road, said, “The support shown means more than words can express. It ensures that Ellen’s spirit will remain part of this special event and the city she loved.
“We encourage everyone to wear yellow on the day – Ellen’s favourite colour and one as bright as she was. We have set up a page called @TheEllenCassidyEffect where you can follow her journey.”
