Cork City Marathon to Honour Memory of Ellen Cassidy with Series of Tributes

The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon will honour the memory of Ellen Cassidy, the 24-year-old runner who tragically passed away after the 2025 Half Marathon, with a series of tributes created in collaboration with her family to ensure her spirit remains part of the race she loved so deeply.

More than 200 of Ellen's family and friends will come together to run and walk this year's Half Marathon and 10K events to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to sport and to Cork.

Tens of thousands of participants and supporters are expected in Cork on Sunday 31 May, and organisers are calling on the public to turn the city yellow, Ellen's favourite colour, in her honour. 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 has worked closely with the Cassidy family on a series of thoughtful and respectful tributes for this year's event.

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.

The 2026 finisher medals, unveiled earlier this month, feature a Claddagh-inspired design symbolising loyalty, friendship, and solidarity. Organisers say these values reflect the spirit of the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon and the support for Ellen's family over the past year.

Eamon Hayes, Race Director, said the event team wanted Ellen's family to lead the tributes, ensuring they were rooted in warmth, dignity, and community.

"Ellen loved running, swimming, music and being part of Cork's sporting community. After her tragic passing, we wanted to work with her family to honour her memory in a way that felt personal, respectful, and meaningful," he said.

The response from the running community has been incredibly moving. So many people will wear yellow on race day in Ellen's memory, and we hope these tributes will reflect the love and support surrounding her family and friends at this difficult time."

Ellen's parents, Tom and Violet Cassidy, from Carhoo, Old Mallow Road, Cork, 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."

The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon takes place on Sunday 31 May 2026, with the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K races all finishing on Grand Parade. Full details and registration are available on the official Cork City Marathon website.