The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon will this year become more than just a race — it will become a powerful tribute to the life and memory of Ellen Cassidy, the 24-year-old runner who tragically passed away following the 2025 Half Marathon.
In collaboration with Ellen’s family, organisers have planned a series of heartfelt tributes to ensure that her spirit remains forever woven into the event she loved so deeply.
Her passion for running, her warmth, and her vibrant personality left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her, and this year Cork will come together to honour her in an unforgettable way.
More than 200 of Ellen’s family members and friends are expected to run and walk in this year’s Half Marathon and 10K events, celebrating not only her life, but also the joy, kindness, and inspiration she brought to sport and to the city of Cork.
As tens of thousands of runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters descend on Cork on Sunday, 31 May, organisers are calling on the public to turn the city yellow in Ellen’s honour — her favourite colour. Streets across the city are expected to be filled with yellow shirts, banners, ribbons, and flags in a moving show of love, remembrance, and solidarity for everyone taking part in Ellen’s memory.
Earlier this month, organisers unveiled the 2026 finisher medals, which feature a Claddagh-inspired design symbolising loyalty, friendship, and solidarity.
They say these values perfectly capture the spirit of the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon and reflect the incredible support shown to Ellen’s family over the past year.
Ellen’s parents, Tom and Violet Cassidy from Carhoo on Cork’s Old Mallow Road, spoke emotionally about the tribute being paid to their daughter.
“The support shown means more than words can express,” they said. “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 also set up a page called @TheEllenCassidyEffect, where people can follow her journey and legacy.”
This year’s marathon will not only celebrate endurance and achievement, but also the lasting impact one young woman had on her community — a reminder that while Ellen may be gone, her spirit will continue to run through the streets of Cork.
