Mums on the Run ready for their latest running challenge at Waterside Half Marathon
25 August 2026
What started as a simple invitation for a group of mothers to get active has grown into a remarkable journey of friendship and achievement for a group of local mums who are now preparing to take on the Waterside Half Marathon.
The Mums on the Run group, which grew out of the Minding Mum perinatal mental health project delivered through the Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, will be among the thousands of runners taking to the streets of the city on Sunday, September 6th.
Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Waterside Half Marathon starts and finishes at Ebrington Square and will see runners tackle the iconic 13.1-mile route around the banks of the Foyle.
For Minding Mum Project Manager Christine McBride, the journey began back in 2023 when Health Visitor Assistant and Coach Laura Mitchell approached the project with an idea.
“Laura asked whether the mums involved in our project would be interested in taking part in a Couch to 5K programme,” said Christine.
“What began as a simple opportunity to get active has grown into something truly special.
“Together, we have now completed seven Couch to 5K programmes, with each group celebrating their graduation at Derry City Parkrun, running with their prams.
“The mums have continued to train together with Laura under the name ‘Mums on the Run’, building friendships, confidence and a strong sense of community along the way.”
The achievements of the group have gone far beyond that original Couch to 5K goal.
Many of the mums have progressed to take part in some of the city’s biggest athletics events, the Jog in the Bog, the Walled City Ten Miler and the biggest of them all the Waterside Half Marathon.
“What makes the Mums on the Run group particularly inspiring is that they continue to train together with their prams, showing their children that being active, setting goals and looking after your mental health are all important parts of life,” said Christine.
“They are not only creating positive experiences for their children, but are also providing one another with encouragement, friendship and a vital support network.
“What started with a Couch to 5K has become a lasting community of mums who motivate and support each other to achieve things they may never have believed possible.”
For Christine, the story of Mums on the Run is also a powerful example of how physical activity and connection can contribute to positive perinatal mental health.
“Their journey is a fantastic example of the positive impact that connection, physical activity and peer support can have on perinatal mental health,” she said.
The group is now looking forward to another memorable day at the Waterside Half Marathon, surrounded by the friends and families who have supported them along the way.
“They are very much looking forward to the Waterside Half Marathon and we can’t wait to cheer them on along the way,” added Christine.
New mums are always welcome to join Mums on the Run and anyone interested can contact Minding Mum through 07719532034.
Information can also be found on their social media Facebook – Minding Mum Waterside and on Instagram mindingmum_wnp.
The Waterside Half Marathon is sponsored by The Lycra Company and hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Share Energy and UU.
The event is sold out with over 4,300 individual places and 125 three person relay teams all snapped up three months ahead of race day.
The race will start at 9.30am and the figure of eight course will take runners from Ebrington Square, to under the Craigavon Bridge, over the Peace Bridge, up to Strathfoyle and back down to the Caw Roundabout, over the Foyle Bridge, down Bay Park, up the quay and over the Peace Bridge to the finish line in Ebrington Square.
The event is chip-timed and every finisher receives a commemorative medal and t shirt.
For race day information visit www.derrystrabane.com/whm where there is a full route map.